Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever been to Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a customer favorite! This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a rich, creamy Parmesan ranch sauce, topped with a crispy, cheesy crust that’s baked to perfection. The combination of creamy ranch, sharp Parmesan, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping makes this dish so irresistible, it’s become one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items. Now, you can recreate this mouthwatering recipe at home with a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into how to make this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe!

this Recipe

What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful dish made with grilled chicken breasts that are coated in a rich ranch-Parmesan sauce, then topped with a crispy panko-Parmesan crust and melted cheese. The dish is loved for its juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy topping, making it both comforting and indulgent. This copycat version captures the same flavors and textures, so you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or searing)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra flavor when grilling)

For the creamy Parmesan ranch sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the crispy Parmesan crust:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy texture)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella for extra melty goodness)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Ingredients for Homemade Ranch Dressing (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own ranch dressing for the sauce, here’s a simple homemade version:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Substitutions and Variations

This copycat recipe can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They work just as well and tend to stay juicier.
2. Low-Carb/Keto Option: Use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs for a low-carb version. You can also swap the ranch dressing for a low-carb homemade version.
3. Cheese Options: While the recipe calls for Parmesan and provolone, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Asiago for extra flavor.
4. Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping for a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Grilling Method:
  Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill with oil or add a little butter for extra flavor. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Pan-Seared Method:
  Heat olive oil (and butter, if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Ranch Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This creamy sauce will form the base layer for your crispy topping.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Parmesan Topping

In another small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, and melted butter. This topping adds a delicious crunch and cheesy flavor to the chicken.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil the Chicken

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Spread a generous layer of the creamy Parmesan ranch sauce over each chicken breast. Then sprinkle the crispy panko-Parmesan topping over the sauce.

Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

How to Cook Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season and cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts until fully cooked.
2. Make the creamy Parmesan ranch sauce: Mix ranch dressing, sour cream, Parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Prepare the crispy topping: Combine panko, Parmesan, provolone, and butter for a crunchy, cheesy topping.
4. Assemble and broil: Spread the sauce on the chicken, top with the crispy mixture, and broil until golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to cook them just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove them from the heat.
• Skipping the Panko Breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs give the topping its signature crunch, so don’t skip them! If you want an extra crispy texture, you can lightly toast the panko in a skillet with a little butter before adding them to the topping.
• Burning the Topping: When broiling the chicken, keep a close eye on it. The cheese can quickly go from golden to burned, so pull it out as soon as the topping turns golden brown.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish is rich and indulgent, so pair it with lighter sides to balance the flavors. Here are some serving ideas:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes to complement the cheesy topping.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
3. Pasta: For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken with a side of pasta tossed in olive oil or a light tomato sauce.
4. Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect light and refreshing side for this indulgent dish.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and top with an extra spoonful of sauce if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your choice of sides. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve on a large platter with lemon wedges and a side of vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Family-Style Platter: Serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an inviting family-style presentation.
• Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast individually and drizzle with extra sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta for an elegant meal.
• Rustic Cast Iron Skillet: Present the chicken directly in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle feel. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or garlic bread.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-grated varieties, so always use fresh if possible.
2. Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce and topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and broil the chicken just before serving.
3. Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the creamy Parmesan ranch mixture. It’s perfect for drizzling over the chicken or your side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful, though they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the topping.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling or pan-frying?
A: Yes! If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then, proceed with adding the sauce and broiling the topping.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best results, shred your cheese from a block.

Conclusion

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe brings the delicious flavors of the restaurant right into your kitchen. With juicy chicken, a rich Parmesan ranch sauce, and a crispy, cheesy crust, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you grill or pan-fry the chicken, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home! Try it today, and experience the cheesy, crispy goodness of this classic dish.

Print