There's nothing quite like the savory decadence of Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken. With its juicy, tender chicken breast topped with a creamy parmesan spread and a crunchy cheese crust, this dish is a restaurant favorite you can now recreate at home.

The first time I tried this dish, I was hooked – it had everything I loved in one bite: juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and that perfectly crispy top layer. Now, it’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen, perfect for weeknights when I want something indulgent yet straightforward to make.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Prepare to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible dish. Not only does it rival the restaurant version, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make at home.

First off, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The layers of flavor – from the seasoned chicken to the creamy, cheesy topping – are so satisfying that even the pickiest eaters will be delighted.

It’s also a quick and easy recipe. With minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

Additionally, this recipe is budget-friendly. By making it at home, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the price – without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, it’s versatile. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad, and you have a meal that’s equally fit for a casual family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a key role in recreating that iconic Longhorn taste.

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper gives the chicken its signature savory flavor.
Cheese Topping: The topping combines shredded parmesan cheese and provolone cheese, creating that gooey, golden crust we all love.
Creamy Spread: A mix of ranch dressing and more parmesan forms the creamy layer beneath the crust.
Breadcrumbs: For the ultimate crunch, you’ll need panko breadcrumbs, toasted with a bit of melted butter for added flavor.

You’ll also need a skillet and a baking dish to achieve the perfect sear and bake. A meat thermometer can be helpful to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Make This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Recreating this dish at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy, cheesy chicken every time.

Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pound them to an even thickness if necessary.

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a flavorful crust.

While the chicken is searing, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare the cheese topping. In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with grated parmesan cheese to create the creamy spread. Set aside.

Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a baking dish. Spread a generous layer of the parmesan-ranch mixture over each piece. Top with slices of provolone cheese.

In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a handful of grated parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the provolone for that iconic crunch.

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra browning, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Storage Options

This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To maintain the crispy topping, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences.

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning blend for a kick of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Lighter Option: Swap the ranch dressing for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh chopped parsley or basil to the breadcrumb topping for a burst of fresh flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – this recipe is your canvas!

Whether you’re recreating the magic of a favorite restaurant dish or just looking for a delicious dinner idea, this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will not disappoint. Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dish that’s every bit as indulgent as the original – maybe even better!