Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers all the flavor without the trip out. With its tender, juicy chicken breast topped with a cheesy, golden crust, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

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I first tried this dish at Longhorn Steakhouse and fell in love with the rich parmesan topping paired with the juicy chicken. After some trial and error, I perfected this recipe, and now it’s a go-to for impressing guests or elevating weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Get ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with ease. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken checks all the boxes for a meal that's as impressive as it is delicious.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make, despite tasting like a gourmet meal. Using pantry staples and a few key ingredients, you can whip this up in under an hour. Perfect for weeknights when you want a treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also versatile. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a side salad for a complete meal. The flavors are bold yet universally appealing, making it a hit for both adults and picky eaters.

Let’s not forget the parmesan crust. With a blend of parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of topping you’ll want to put on everything.

This dish also reheats beautifully, meaning leftovers (if there are any!) make for an equally satisfying lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from a combination of simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and tender, juicy results.

Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor. It melts beautifully and gives the topping its signature nutty, cheesy flavor.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add that perfect crunch to the parmesan crust. Toast them lightly in butter before adding for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Ranch Dressing: This is the creamy base that binds the topping together. Opt for a high-quality ranch for the richest taste.

Provolone Cheese: Melted provolone adds a gooey layer of cheesy goodness underneath the crispy crust. You can substitute mozzarella if needed, but provolone adds a slightly sharper flavor.

If you have a meat mallet and a good oven-safe skillet, you’re all set to make this recipe like a pro.

How To Make This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Recreating this Longhorn favorite at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a dish that’ll wow your family and guests.

Start by prepping the chicken. Pound the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness—about ½ inch works best. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. They don’t need to cook through yet, as they’ll finish in the oven.

While the chicken is searing, prepare the parmesan crust. In a bowl, mix freshly grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and ranch dressing until combined. This mixture should be thick enough to spread but still slightly crumbly.

Place the seared chicken on a baking sheet. Lay a slice of provolone cheese over each piece, then top with a generous layer of the parmesan crust. Press it down slightly to ensure it adheres.

Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This step ensures the juices redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the crust stays on top to maintain its texture.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This prevents the pieces from sticking together. Frozen chicken can last up to 3 months.

When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy. Preheat to 350°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or light ranch dressing in place of regular ranch. You’ll still get a creamy topping with fewer calories.

Swap the provolone for mozzarella or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its unique twist to the dish.

Make it spicy by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the parmesan crust mixture. It’s a great way to add a kick of heat.

Vegetarian? Try this recipe with thick slices of eggplant instead of chicken. Simply roast the eggplant first, then follow the same steps for adding the cheesy topping.

Serve with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to experiment! This dish is versatile enough to pair with roasted veggies, pasta, or even garlic bread.

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