Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Dinner

If you’re a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings the rich, savory flavors of the popular restaurant dish right into your kitchen. I first discovered this recipe when I was craving the crispy, cheesy chicken from Longhorn but didn’t want to leave the comfort of my home. With just a few simple ingredients, I was able to create a dish so close to the original that my family couldn’t tell the difference. The best part? It’s perfect for beginners because it’s simple, quick, and packed with flavors that anyone can master. The chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection, seared until golden brown, and topped with a creamy Provolone cheese layer and a crispy Parmesan-Panko crust. After a quick bake in the oven, you have a golden, crispy-topped chicken that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish will impress every time. Let’s break down the recipe so you can recreate this flavorful meal in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to have all the ingredients and tools ready. This recipe calls for a few basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it an easy go-to for busy nights. The preparation is straightforward, and there’s little room for mistakes, making it perfect for beginners!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced Provolone cheese (about 4 slices)
• 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Cheese alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute Provolone with mozzarella or gouda cheese for a different flavor profile. Both cheeses melt well and will provide a similar creamy texture.
• Breadcrumb alternatives: Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if you don’t have Panko on hand. Panko will give you a lighter, crispier texture, but any breadcrumb will do in a pinch.
• Herb variations: For added flavor, experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary in the Parmesan crust. Dried herbs also work wonderfully, and adding a pinch of garlic powder gives it an extra kick. If you love a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can easily be added to the mixture for a spicy twist.

With your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to begin the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when it’s time to bake the chicken. As the oven heats up, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is essential because removing excess moisture helps the seasonings and crust adhere better to the chicken. Once dry, generously season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across the entire surface of each chicken breast.

Next, heat a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Allow the skillet to heat up until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s ready for searing. This will create that crispy outer layer that locks in the moisture. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken all the way through but to sear the outside to create a golden crust while keeping the inside moist. After both sides are seared, remove the skillet from the heat, allowing the chicken to rest while you prepare the cheesy crust.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust

Now it’s time to make the crispy, cheesy topping! In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir the mixture until it’s well-combined and crumbly, but it should still stick together when pressed. This is your Parmesan crust mixture. For extra flavor, you can add in dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder. If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes will provide a nice kick.

Take the seared chicken breasts and place one slice of Provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast. The cheese should begin melting slightly from the residual heat of the chicken. After that, evenly distribute the Parmesan-Panko mixture on top of the Provolone cheese slices, gently pressing it down so it sticks. The more you press it, the crispier and more flavorful the topping will be once baked.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

With the chicken prepared, it’s time to bake. Carefully transfer the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust has turned golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as you want the crust to be crisp, but not too dark. For an even crispier, golden top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will give the topping a slightly charred, crunchy finish that everyone loves.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This step is optional, but it adds a nice pop of green and a subtle flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Now, the chicken is ready to serve! For the best results, serve it immediately while the cheese is still melty and the crust is crispy. This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad. You could also serve it with pasta or steamed rice for a filling, satisfying meal.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As you work through this recipe, here are a few beginner tips and common troubleshooting advice to ensure your chicken turns out perfect every time:

1. How to tell if the chicken is done: To check if your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and ensure it reads 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center. This ensures that your chicken is fully cooked.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Because the chicken is seared and then baked, it can be easy to overcook it. Make sure to sear each side for only 6-7 minutes and then bake for 5-7 minutes. Overcooking will lead to dry, tough chicken, so make sure to follow the times closely.
3. Crispy topping tips: Pressing the Parmesan-Panko mixture onto the chicken is key for ensuring a crispy crust. Make sure to press it gently but firmly to ensure that the crust sticks and gets nice and crunchy as it bakes.
4. Make-ahead tip: You can prep the chicken ahead of time! Simply season the chicken and prepare the cheese topping, then refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to bake, follow the remaining steps.
5. Customizing flavor: If you want to experiment with flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the crust, or even mixing in some grated garlic or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of spice.
6. Don’t forget the rest period: After baking, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and ensures a tender, juicy bite.
7. Oven variations: All ovens are different, so keep a close eye on your chicken as it bakes. If it looks like the crust is getting too dark too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly. If it’s not turning golden, you can broil for a minute or two at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas to complement the dish:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side for soaking up the flavorful juices of the chicken.
• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy and colorful side.
• Caesar salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice, like jasmine or basmati, would also pair beautifully with this dish.
• Garlic bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread would be a great addition to the meal.
• Steamed asparagus: Asparagus offers a delicate flavor and pairs perfectly with the richness of the Parmesan crust.

For a lighter version, you can serve the chicken with a simple green salad or sautéed spinach. You can even add a squeeze of lemon over the chicken to give it a bright finish.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. To retain the crispy crust, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, wrap the chicken tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for beginner cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The golden, crispy crust paired with the gooey, melted cheese will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness of Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!