If you are craving a restaurant-quality dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, you cannot miss the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. This dish takes simple chicken breasts and transforms them into a golden, crunchy delight coated with a heavenly blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. It’s truly a showstopper that feels fancy but comes together with ease, making it perfect for cozy dinners or surprising guests with a gourmet touch at home. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to comfort meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy panko breadcrumbs that bring a satisfying crunch, to the Parmesan cheese that adds a rich, savory note, each component is essential. Plus, the seasoning elevates the chicken to restaurant-tier deliciousness while keeping things incredibly simple to prepare.
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere and creates a light base layer.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a glue between the flour and breadcrumb layers for maximum crustiness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the crust with a sharp, nutty flavor that’s pure magic.
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Offers an extra-crispy texture that’s key to the irresistible crunch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that gives a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a subtle kick and balances the savory elements.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for sautéing: Ensures the crust becomes golden brown and flavorful while keeping the chicken moist.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Even Cooking
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This simple trick ensures your chicken cooks evenly without drying out. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels, which helps the coating stick better, and season each piece lightly with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Organization is key! Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and the last with a mix of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This assembly line method makes the coating process efficient and fun.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Begin by dredging each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess so the coating isn’t too thick or clumpy. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing it to get fully coated. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. This ensures that every nook and cranny is covered in that fantastic flavorful crust that makes this dish shine.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat — this step is where the magic happens! Place your coated chicken breasts carefully into the hot pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want that golden brown crust to develop without burning, so adjust the heat if needed. The result is a crusty exterior and juicy interior that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This makes every bite luscious and tender. Slice the chicken and consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil for a refreshing contrast and lovely presentation. You have now created a beautiful plate worthy of sharing.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped basil adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich Parmesan crust wonderfully. You can also add a wedge of lemon for a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness and awakens your palate. These small touches make your presentation feel thoughtful and restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or garlic roasted asparagus. These sides bring balance by adding freshness, creaminess, or crunch, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just jazz up your dinner table, slice the chicken and arrange it fan-style over a bed of wilted spinach or pasta tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze or a dollop of pesto on the side for bursts of vibrant flavor and an eye-catching finish. Presentation can be as simple or fancy as you want, and it always elevates the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain the crust’s texture as much as possible. This way, you can enjoy delicious leftovers without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
While the crust is best when fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Consider freezing before cooking if you want to prepare in advance — just thaw completely before breading and cooking.
Reheating
To bring back the original crispiness, reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven rather than in the microwave. This method restores that irresistible crunchy exterior while warming the chicken throughout without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative, though they may take a little longer to cook. Just make sure to pound them evenly for consistent cooking and enjoy a slightly richer flavor.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but keep in mind panko provides a lighter, crunchier coating. If using standard breadcrumbs, the crust might be a bit denser but still delicious.
Is Parmesan cheese essential for the crust?
Yes, Parmesan is a key ingredient that imparts a distinct savory and nutty flavor. Using freshly grated Parmesan will give the best results; pre-grated versions often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Definitely! For a healthier twist, bake the coated chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and cooked through.
How do I make the coating stick better?
The three-step dredging process — flour, egg, then Parmesan breadcrumb mixture — is crucial. Pat the chicken dry before starting, and press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly to ensure a thick, even crust that stays put during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and celebratory about the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that’s easy to make yet feels special every time. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this recipe brings warmth, crunch, and bold flavors to the table effortlessly. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become a favorite you return to again and again.
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse. Boneless chicken breasts are coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings, then pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a flavorful, crunchy crust with tender, juicy meat inside. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter, for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Set up dredging stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten egg, followed by firmly pressing into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the crust turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Slice and serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a bright finish.
Notes
- Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and crust texture.
- For extra crispiness, use a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices for a moist bite.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
