Do you ever crave the rich, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken but don’t feel like dining out? You’re in luck! This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe lets you recreate the famous dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. With its crispy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of savory Parmesan, crispy breadcrumbs, and creamy mozzarella. Add juicy chicken and Italian seasoning, and you’ve got a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. This recipe is not only a hit with adults but also a family favorite for kids who love cheesy goodness. Plus, you’ll save time and money by making it at home while enjoying the same restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients for Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy dish:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) | ¼ cup |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | ½ cup |
Olive oil (optional, for roasting) | 2 tbsp |
Cooking spray (for the baking dish) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Parmesan Coating
- In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful and crispy crust.
3. Make the Mayonnaise Mixture
- In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper. The mayo acts as a binding agent to help the Parmesan and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, while also keeping it moist during baking.
4. Coat the Chicken
- Dip the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- Dredge in Parmesan Mixture: Dredge the mayo-coated chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to make sure the coating sticks.
5. Arrange and Optional Drizzle
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. For extra crispiness, drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each piece.
6. Bake the Chicken
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Add the Mozzarella Topping
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and let the cheese melt beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Making the Best Parmesan Chicken
1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan has a stronger, nuttier flavor compared to pre-packaged options. It makes a big difference in the final dish.
2. Pound the Chicken Breasts
If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently to create an even layer. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Don’t Skip the Mayo
The mayonnaise adds a creamy layer that keeps the chicken moist and tender while helping the breadcrumb coating stick.
4. Add Olive Oil for Extra Crispiness
A light drizzle of olive oil over the chicken before baking helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
5. Check the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so aim for exactly 165°F.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 4):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 390 |
Protein | 40g |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 850mg |
Creative Variations
1. Add a Spicy Kick
Mix cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the Parmesan and breadcrumb coating for a spicy version.
2. Use Different Cheeses
Swap mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
3. Herb-Lover’s Version
Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an herby flavor profile.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko for a gluten-free version.
5. Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
For a faster cooking option, make this recipe in an air fryer. Cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with these sides to create a well-rounded meal:
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh side salad.
- Carbs: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or buttered noodles.
- Sauces: Add a drizzle of marinara sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
1. Refrigeration
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing
Wrap the cooked chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. To retain crispiness, avoid microwaving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than breasts.
2. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coat the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What’s the difference between panko and regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a crunchier coating.
4. Can I use regular Parmesan cheese instead of grated?
Yes, but grated Parmesan blends better with the breadcrumbs for an even coating.
5. What if I don’t have mayonnaise?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar effect.
6. How can I tell if my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
Conclusion
This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dinner game. It’s packed with rich, cheesy flavors and crispy textures, making it a perfect choice for family meals or special occasions. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
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Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe: A Delicious DIY Dish
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Craving the rich, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Now you can enjoy this delicious dish at home! With its crispy Parmesan coating, juicy chicken, and melty mozzarella topping, this recipe is a family favorite that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for roasting)
- Cooking spray (for the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Parmesan Coating
- In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Make the Mayonnaise Mixture
- In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and keep it moist during baking.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
- Then dredge the mayo-coated chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Arrange and Optional Drizzle
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. For extra crispiness, drizzle olive oil over the top of each piece.
- Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add the Mozzarella Topping
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and let the cheese melt.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has a stronger flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Pound the Chicken Breasts: If the chicken breasts are uneven, pound them to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Mayo: Mayo helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American