Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you’re likely familiar with their irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-crusted topping, creating an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. The crispy, cheesy topping melts beautifully over tender chicken, making it one of Longhorn’s most beloved menu items.

Now, with this copycat recipe, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table. It’s quick to prepare, full of rich flavor, and pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or even fries for a complete meal.

Let’s dive into how you can make this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken copycat recipe at home, with all the tips and tricks you need for perfect results.

Why You’ll Love Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Juicy and Flavorful Chicken: The chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor.
Creamy Parmesan Topping: A mixture of creamy ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious layer that melts and crisps beautifully under the broiler.
Restaurant Quality at Home: This copycat recipe brings the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your kitchen, giving you that gourmet dining experience without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: Despite its elegant appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: This dish pairs well with many sides, so you can customize it based on what you have on hand. From roasted vegetables to pasta, the options are endless.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (depending on the size of the breasts used)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbs: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

For the Parmesan Topping:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Parmesan Crust:

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Pound the Chicken:

To ensure even cooking, you’ll want to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This also tenderizes the chicken.

2. Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.

3. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll finish the chicken in the oven after searing it on the stovetop.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet:

In a large, oven-safe skillet (like a cast-iron skillet), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. You’re not cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage, just getting a nice sear on the outside.

3. Transfer to the Oven:

Once the chicken is seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the skillet from the oven and set aside while you prepare the Parmesan topping.