If you have ever wished you could bring the bold, comforting flavors of your favorite steakhouse home, then this Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe is your golden ticket. This finger-licking, cheesy, and crispy chicken dish captures the essence of that irresistible LongHorn flavor with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust that bakes to perfection over juicy, tender chicken breasts. It’s an easy but indulgent meal that elevates simple ingredients into a crave-worthy feast destined to become a new favorite on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create a spectacular balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the creamy dressings that add richness or the crisp panko and cheeses that form that crave-worthy crust.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness for quick, uniform cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds fragrant, savory depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a mild kick and aromatic balance.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that gives this dish its signature crispy, cheesy crust.
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese: Melty richness that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy to contribute the perfect crunch.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the crust ingredients and adds indulgent flavor.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Creamy base to coat the chicken and infuse flavor.
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing: Adds a tangy, savory punch that elevates the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Gives extra creaminess and slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts lightly to an even thickness; this ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, liberally season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices create a flavorful foundation that sings through every bite once the dish is complete.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step is crucial to develop that beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices but don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet — it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the Dressings
While your chicken rests, mix together the ranch dressing, creamy Caesar dressing, and sour cream in a small bowl. This luscious blend will create a velvety base layer that complements the cheese crust and keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor.
Step 4: Coat Chicken with Dressing and Topping
Spread the dressing mixture evenly over each seared chicken breast, then combine the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in another bowl. Spoon this glorious topping over the dressed chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres well to the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Cheesy Bliss
Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden, bubbly, and crisp. For extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking — just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe beautifully. If you love a little extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon can be a delightful addition here as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with comforting mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad that brightens the plate. These sides complement both the flavors and textures, round out the meal, and keep the focus on the cheesy chicken as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe sliced over a bed of herbed rice or creamy polenta. You could even turn it into a hearty sandwich with a crusty roll and a handful of fresh arugula. Presentation is all about letting your creativity shine while celebrating those crave-worthy crunchy-cheesy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for excellent next-day meals or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Though the crust might lose some crispness, the flavors stay wonderfully intact for convenient future meals.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers to maintain that glorious crust is by placing the chicken on a baking sheet and warming it in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp again. Microwave reheating is faster but can make the crust soggy, so reserve that for last-minute convenience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is a fantastic substitute if you don’t have provolone. It melts beautifully and maintains that creamy, cheesy effect that complements the Parmesan crust perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe is great for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken in the fridge and pair with fresh veggies or grains for easy, tasty lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, try broiling the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close watch to avoid burning, and you’ll get that irresistible golden-brown crunch just like at the restaurant.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What sides go best with Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe?
Classic pairings like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh crisp salad complement the rich chicken really well. They add balance while allowing that savory, cheesy flavor to shine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to make, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe will not disappoint. From the savory seasoning to the irresistible cheesy crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little steakhouse magic right to your kitchen table. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken – LongHorn Style is a deliciously cheesy and crispy baked chicken dish inspired by the classic LongHorn Steakhouse recipe. Tender chicken breasts are first seared for a golden crust, then baked with a creamy ranch and Caesar dressing mixture topped with a crispy blend of Parmesan, provolone, and panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty main course pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping and Sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides of each breast evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust but are not fully cooked through. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.
- Mix the Sauces: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, creamy Caesar dressing, and sour cream. Stir until well mixed to create a tangy and creamy sauce.
- Apply Sauce and Topping: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spread the dressing mixture evenly over each chicken breast. In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter until crumbly. Spoon this topping over the sauced chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, carefully watching to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella if needed.
