If you have been craving a restaurant-quality dinner that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken, then you absolutely must try the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. This dish delivers a golden, crunchy crust packed with Parmesan and Italian seasonings that will have your taste buds singing with joy. It’s simple to make yet so impressive that it feels like you’re indulging in a special night out. Whether you’re cooking for two or simply want a quick gourmet meal, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a hint of elegance right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe plays an essential role, from creating the crispy coating to infusing the chicken with rich flavor. Each component is straightforward, easy to find, and comes together to form a well-balanced, vibrant dish.
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These form the tender, juicy foundation of the recipe; flattening them ensures even cooking.
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour: Creates the first light barrier for the breading to stick perfectly.
- 1 large Egg, beaten: Acts as the glue, helping the seasonings and breadcrumbs adhere beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that is signature to this Parmesan crust.
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Offers that irresistible light crunch and a golden-brown finish.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder: Brings savory warmth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that gives the crust aromatic complexity.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing, this gives the crust a luscious, golden sear.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by flattening the chicken breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin, which helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Pat them dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture—this step is key so the coating sticks better. Finally, sprinkle with salt and pepper to set the flavor base.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Organize your three shallow dishes for an efficient breading process: one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten egg, and the last with a mixture of freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This setup helps ensure every bite is coated thoroughly with that delicious crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first and shake off any excess to avoid clumps. Then dip into the beaten egg so the coating adheres well. Press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for full coverage; this step guarantees a thick, flavorful crust with every bite.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, patiently waiting for that irresistible golden-brown crust to form. Cooking thoroughly while maintaining juiciness is critical, so avoid flipping too frequently.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in all those flavorful juices. Slice it up and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright touch that complements the Parmesan crust beautifully. This final step transforms the dish into something visually stunning and utterly inviting.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves add a splash of color and herbaceous freshness that balances the richness of the crust. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavors and brighten up the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this Parmesan crusted chicken with a crisp green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Creamy risotto or a side of buttery asparagus complements the texture and flavors beautifully, making the dinner both satisfying and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the sliced chicken atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula or with a dollop of basil pesto. For a family-style meal, arrange multiple breasts on a large platter sprinkled with extra Parmesan and herbs. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated to impress— let the vibrant crust and fresh garnishes do the talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust’s texture, avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other; a paper towel can help absorb moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and then pan-fry as usual. This method preserves the flavors and keeps the crust crisp when cooked fresh.
Reheating
For reheating, use a low oven temperature or a toaster oven to help maintain the crispness of the Parmesan crust. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can turn the coating soggy. A quick reheat at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes does the trick without sacrificing flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add a bit more juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take slightly longer to cook through.
Is panko necessary for this recipe?
While panko breadcrumbs give the ideal light and crunchy texture, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed. Just expect a slightly denser crust, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the coated chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Baking is a great option for a lighter version.
What can I serve if I want to keep it low-carb?
For a low-carb meal, swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour and serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad instead of heavier sides like potatoes or risotto.
How important is fresh Parmesan cheese?
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt or crisp as nicely, so fresh is always best for that signature crust.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is truly a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The vibrant flavors, crunchy golden crust, and juicy chicken create a combination that’s hard to resist. I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up something comforting yet impressive—you’ll be glad you did!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, then pan-seared to golden perfection for a deliciously crunchy and juicy meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter, for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure they cook uniformly. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten egg, then firmly press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Cook Until Golden: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Flattening the chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking and a tender result.
- You can substitute olive oil with butter or a mix of both for a richer flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier crust, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
