Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Want to make the Parmesan crusted chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse at home? You can! This simple recipe lets you make the dish in your kitchen. It starts with marinating chicken in olive oil, ranch, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Then, it’s coated in a crunchy mix of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs before baking.

This Longhorn Steakhouse inspired dish is perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or to impress friends. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Key Takeaways

Recreate the signature Parmesan crust from Longhorn Steakhouse at home
Marinate the chicken in a flavorful blend of olive oil, ranch, Worcestershire, and garlic
Use a combination of Parmesan, Provolone, and panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crust
Bake the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden-brown topping
Customize the recipe with different cheese options or a keto-friendly version

Introduction to Longhorn’s Famous Chicken Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a favorite among diners. It’s loved for its tasty flavors and crispy texture. This dish is a masterpiece, combining a flavorful marinade, a crunchy Parmesan crust, and juicy chicken.

Why This Recipe Is Popular

Many people love Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It serves 4 and takes about 1 hour to make, with only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for a quick, high-quality meal at home. Plus, it has a 4.96 out of 5 rating from 48 votes, showing its great taste and quality.

What Makes It Special

The secret to Longhorn’s chicken is its special marinade and Parmesan crust. The chicken soaks in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes or overnight, adding a rich flavor. The crust is made with Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, giving it a crispy, golden-brown look and a juicy inside.

Restaurant vs Homemade Version

The Longhorn Steakhouse menu has this dish, but making it at home is more affordable and customizable. Each serving has about 708 kcal, 15g of carbs, 35g of protein, and 56g of fats, with 2341mg of sodium. This homemade version captures the restaurant’s taste, making it a great choice for a meal at home.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Parmesan Crust

To make Longhorn’s chicken dish famous, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, creamy Provolone cheese, tangy buttermilk ranch dressing, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs.

Choose top-notch cheese like Boars Head Provolone and BelGioioso Parmesan. Grate or shred the cheese finely for an even coat on the chicken. Add a rich ranch dressing for a creamy touch.

Panko breadcrumbs give the crust its crispy texture. These breadcrumbs make the outside layer light and crispy, perfect with the juicy chicken. A bit of melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully.

With these ingredients, you can make Longhorn’s Parmesan crusted chicken at home. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures your dish tastes just like the restaurant’s.

The Secret Behind the Flavorful Marinade

The Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is famous for its marinade. This marinade gives the chicken a perfect mix of flavors. Each bite is full of taste.

Marinade Components

The marinade is made from olive oil, ranch dressing, and Worcestershire sauce. It also has vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. The olive oil keeps the chicken moist. The ranch and Worcestershire add depth to the flavor.

The vinegar and lemon juice add a tangy touch. This complements the other flavors well.

Marination Time and Tips

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight. This lets the flavors soak into the meat. For a quicker option, use Italian salad dressing as a marinade.

Make sure to cover the chicken and refrigerate it. This prevents harmful bacteria from growing. Turn the chicken a few times while it marinates. This helps the flavors spread evenly.

“The marinade is the secret to the Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken’s incredible flavor. It’s a simple yet effective blend that transforms the chicken into a truly unforgettable dish.”

Step-by-Step Chicken Preparation Method

To get the perfect pounding chicken and tenderizing for the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, just follow these easy steps:

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Using a meat tenderizer or the back of a heavy pan, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken absorb the flavorful marinade.
Season the pounded chicken breasts with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer the seasoned chicken to a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow baking dish.
Pour the Italian dressing marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to develop.

This simple tenderizing and marinating technique is the secret to juicy, flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken that rivals the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse version.

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	4
Italian Dressing (for marinating)	1 cup
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon

“The key to tender, juicy chicken lies in the preparation. Pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.”

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To make the Longhorn Steakhouse chicken dish at home, focus on the Parmesan crust and crispy topping. Follow a few simple steps to get a melted cheese blend and a crisp panko topping. This will make your homemade version taste like a restaurant dish.

Creating the Signature Parmesan Crust

The Longhorn Parmesan crust’s secret is in the cheese mix. Start by mixing grated Parmesan, shredded Provolone, and creamy ranch dressing in a bowl. Heat it in the microwave, stirring often, until the cheese melts and becomes smooth.

Perfecting the Panko Topping

To get the crispy topping, melt butter in a bowl and mix in garlic powder and panko breadcrumbs. Spread the cheese blend over the chicken, then sprinkle the crispy topping over it. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top is browned and crispy.

The mix of melted cheese blend and crispy panko topping makes a dish that’s as good as the original Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite steakhouse at home.

Cooking Techniques and Temperature Guide

To make perfect Parmesan-crusted chicken, you need to cook it right and follow food safety rules. The goal is to cook the chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F. This makes sure they’re cooked through without drying out.

Start by searing the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. This will give them a golden-brown crust. Don’t move the chicken too much during this time to get a good sear. If the pan gets too hot, lower the heat to prevent the crust from burning.

Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Minimize moving the chicken during cooking to achieve the best sear.
Adjust the heat if the pan gets too hot to prevent the crust from burning.

Cooking Method	Internal Temperature	Cooking Time
Skillet Sear	165°F	4-5 minutes per side
Oven Bake	165°F	20-25 minutes
Grill	165°F	12-15 minutes

By sticking to these steps and using a meat thermometer, you can make Parmesan-crusted chicken just like a restaurant. This way, you ensure food safety while cooking at home.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Longhorn’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe can be cooked in many ways. You can grill it for a smoky flavor, bake it for convenience, or pan-sear for a crispy crust. Each method brings out the dish’s delicious taste in a unique way.

Grilling Instructions

For a smoky twist, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the grilled chicken for 4 to 7 minutes on each side. This ensures the chicken is cooked to 165°F and the crust is golden and crispy.

Baking Method

Preheat your oven to 425°F for oven-baked chicken. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. This method makes the Parmesan crust crunchy without frying.

Stovetop Preparation

For quick pan-seared chicken, start by searing the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Then, add the Parmesan topping and broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This makes the crust golden and crispy.

Each cooking method gives a different twist to the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Try them all to find your favorite way to enjoy this dish.

Making the Creamy Ranch Spread

Take your Parmesan Crusted Chicken to the next level with a homemade ranch spread. This creamy topping adds a special touch that enhances the dish’s flavors.

To make the ranch spread, mix 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese with 1/4 cup of your favorite ranch dressing. The tangy ranch and nutty Parmesan cheese create a delicious cheese blend. It’s the perfect creamy base for the Parmesan crust.

Want to add more flavor? Try using herb cheese instead of plain ranch. It brings herbal notes that balance the richness of the Parmesan crust.

Ingredient	Quantity
Freshly Grated Parmesan	1/4 cup
Ranch Dressing	1/4 cup

Spread the creamy ranch blend generously over the Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts before serving. This lets the flavors mix for a truly indulgent meal. Make your homemade version of this Longhorn Steakhouse classic even better with this simple yet impactful condiment.

Keto and Low-Carb Modifications

If you’re on a keto-friendly or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.

This change keeps the dish crispy but cuts down on carbs. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same. It’s a great choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Nutritional Information	Per Serving
Calories	622
Total Fat	49.4g
Saturated Fat	13.7g
Carbohydrates	10.9g
Net Carbs	7.7g
Protein	35.3g

With this simple change, you can enjoy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s still gluten-free, making it good for many diets.

Craving Longhorn Steakhouse flavors or a tasty keto-friendly chicken dish? This recipe is perfect. It’s delicious and keeps carbs low.

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is amazing with many side dishes. Try creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a classic choice. The chicken’s crispy outside and juicy inside go great with these smooth sides.

Traditional Sides

Buttery mashed potatoes
Creamy mac and cheese
Fluffy white rice or pasta

Vegetable Options

Roasted green beans with garlic and lemon
Steamed broccoli with lemon-butter sauce
Grilled or roasted asparagus spears

A crisp green salad like the Green Jacket Salad is a great side. It’s cool and crunchy, a nice contrast to the rich chicken.

Side Dish	Preparation Method	Cooking Time
Mashed Potatoes	Boil and mash with butter, milk, and seasonings	15-20 minutes
Roasted Green Beans	Toss with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then roast at 400°F	12-15 minutes
Green Jacket Salad	Chop romaine, add croutons, parmesan, and ranch dressing	5-10 minutes

Pairing the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with these tasty side dishes makes a great meal. Your guests will love it.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken doesn’t have to end when the meal is over. With proper food storage and reheating instructions, you can savor the leftovers for days to come.

To store your leftover chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, the chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you have a few options:

Microwave: Warm the chicken in the microwave, checking and stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer: For a crispy texture, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway.

For best results when making this dish ahead of time, we recommend marinating and cooking the chicken, then adding the toppings just before serving. This ensures the leftovers retain their signature Parmesan crust and flavor when reheated.

“The secret to enjoying Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken even after the meal is proper storage and reheating techniques.”

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

To make your homemade Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken taste like it’s from a restaurant, focus on the details. A few cooking tips, cheese selection, and flavor enhancement tricks can make a big difference. You’ll get the same great taste and texture as the original dish.

Choose freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese might have additives that prevent it from melting well.
Marinate the chicken overnight for richer flavor. This lets the flavors soak into the meat, making the dish more flavorful.
Customize the garlic and seasoning to your liking. Feel free to adjust the recipe to match your taste preferences.
Using Italian dressing as a marinade can save time. It adds a quick and easy flavor boost.
Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly. This ensures it cooks evenly and looks great.

With these easy yet effective tips, you’ll be able to make a Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s just as good as the restaurant version. It will taste amazing and look impressive too.

“The secret to Longhorn flavor is in the details. Focus on your cheese selection, marination, and seasoning. You’ll get a dish that’s truly special.”

Conclusion

The homemade Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a great way to enjoy a top-notch meal at home. It has a tasty marinade, a crispy Parmesan crust, and juicy chicken. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family.

It’s also very flexible, fitting different diets like keto or gluten-free. This makes it easy to customize for everyone’s taste.

If you want a simple yet impressive dinner, this Longhorn chicken is perfect. Just follow the easy steps and use the pro tips to get amazing results. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

This homemade Longhorn chicken is perfect for any meal or special event. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, and the Parmesan crust adds a special touch. Enjoy making this recipe and creating memories with your loved ones.

FAQ

What makes Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken a popular dish?

Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is loved for its tasty marinade and crispy crust. The juicy chicken makes it a top choice for a great meal.

How does the homemade version compare to the restaurant’s offering?

Making it at home lets you customize and save money. It tastes just as good as Longhorn Steakhouse’s version.

What are the key ingredients for the perfect Parmesan crust?

You’ll need Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, buttermilk ranch dressing, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.

What goes into the flavorful marinade for the chicken?

The marinade has olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper.

How should the chicken be prepared for even cooking?

Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly and soak up the marinade.

What’s the best way to create the signature Parmesan crust?

Mix Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing, then microwave until melted. Spread it on the chicken. Top with melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs.