Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Chicken: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Chicken: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home 🍽️🍗🧀

This Parmesan Chicken recipe is inspired by the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse, offering a crispy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s sure to impress. With its golden Parmesan-breaded crust, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella topping, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.

Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Cheesy : The combination of crunchy Parmesan breadcrumbs and gooey melted mozzarella creates irresistible textures.
2. Flavorful Seasoning : Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth and aroma to the chicken.
3. Customizable : Add ranch dressing for extra creaminess or skip it for a lighter version.
4. Quick and Easy : Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-style )
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese , divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing )

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup ranch dressing or creamy garlic dressing
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley , chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Flatten the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about ¾-inch thick . This ensures even cooking.
2. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

2. Coat the Chicken

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1 : Place the flour.
   • Bowl 2 : Add the ranch dressing (optional) or skip this step if not using.
   • Bowl 3 : Combine the bread crumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese .
2. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken into the ranch dressing (if using), ensuring an even coating.
4. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure it adheres well on all sides. Pat gently to ensure the coating sticks.

3. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown. The goal is to create a crispy crust—don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken at this stage.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat.

4. Add Toppings

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
2. Spread a thin layer of ranch or garlic dressing on top of each chicken breast (optional).
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken, followed by a light dusting of the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese .

5. Bake

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Bread Crumbs : For extra crunch, make your own bread crumbs by pulsing stale bread in a food processor.
• Double Up on Cheese : For extra indulgence, use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for the topping.
• Add Extra Flavor : Stir dried herbs like oregano or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic crust.
• Make Ahead : Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking. This is great for entertaining!
• Gluten-Free Option : Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra juices.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and colorful complement.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Side Salad : Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing : Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to elevate the dining experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~40g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Chicken is a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive. With its crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside, it’s a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is a winner. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove and oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated.