There's nothing quite like the savory, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breast with a crispy, flavorful Parmesan crust is pure comfort food at its best. The first time I tried this dish at Longhorn, I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after some trial and error, I’ve perfected a version that tastes just as amazing!

This copycat recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a golden-brown crust and a tangy, creamy topping, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen. Plus, it's budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have.

Why You'll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken recipe. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

First, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle of dining out. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious, fast.

Second, the flavor combination is unbeatable. The juicy, well-seasoned chicken is topped with a rich, cheesy crust that has just the right amount of crunch. The balance of Parmesan and ranch-seasoned breadcrumbs creates an irresistible texture and taste.

Not to mention, this dish is versatile and customizable. You can easily switch up the cheeses, add extra seasonings, or even use different cuts of chicken to suit your preferences.

Lastly, it’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters can’t resist this cheesy, crispy chicken. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect taste and texture.

Chicken breasts – For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise or pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Seasonings – A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika gives the chicken a delicious depth of flavor before it's even coated in cheese.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan is key to getting that rich, nutty flavor. Pre-grated varieties don’t melt as well, so I recommend grating your own for the best results.

Ranch dressing & mayonnaise – These two ingredients create the perfect creamy layer that helps the cheese stick to the chicken. The ranch adds a tangy kick, while the mayo enhances the richness.

Breadcrumbs & butter – Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a light, crispy crust that pairs beautifully with the cheesy topping.

You’ll also need a baking sheet or an oven-safe skillet to get that perfect golden-brown crust.

How To Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making this Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a baking dish or sheet. This ensures that your chicken won’t stick and allows it to cook evenly.

Next, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings evenly on both sides for maximum flavor. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to about ½ inch thick for quicker, even cooking.

Place the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. This initial baking helps the chicken cook through while staying juicy.

While the chicken is baking, mix ranch dressing and mayonnaise in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs with melted butter. This mixture will form that crispy, cheesy crust.

Once the chicken is partially cooked, remove it from the oven and spread a generous layer of the ranch-mayo mixture on top of each piece. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispiness, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store them easily for another meal.

Refrigerator: Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to keep the chicken from drying out.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish, but for the best results, freeze the chicken before adding the topping. Cooked chicken with the crust can get a little soggy when thawed. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To maintain its crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is already amazing, but there are plenty of ways to tweak it to fit your tastes and dietary needs.

Different cheeses: While Parmesan is the star, you can mix in cheddar, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a different cheesy flavor.

Breadcrumb options: If you prefer a lower-carb version, swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.

Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch mixture for a little kick.

Grilled version: Skip the oven and grill the chicken breasts first, then add the cheesy topping under a broiler for a smoky, flame-kissed flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is bound to become a favorite in your home. Try it out, and let me know how you like it!