Best Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe – Easy Homemade Copycat

Discover how to recreate the famous Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken right in your own kitchen with this restaurant-quality copycat recipe. This tender, juicy chicken topped with a crispy, cheesy crust will transport your taste buds straight to Longhorn Steakhouse without leaving home. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this Parmesan Chicken recipe strikes the ideal balance between ease and incredible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Ready in just 40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• Achieves that perfect restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort
• Parmesan crusted chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
• Much more affordable than dining out at Longhorn Steakhouse
• Great for meal prep – makes excellent leftovers
• Kid-friendly but impressive enough for adult dinner parties
• Versatile recipe that pairs with countless side dishes

Ingredients for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not the shelf-stable kind)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Ranch Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning and helps the crust adhere better.
3. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and slightly bubbling.
6. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through at this point.

Creating the Parmesan Crust

1. While the chicken is searing, prepare the Parmesan crust by combining the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
2. Mix until you have a thick, spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to a thick frosting.
3. Once both sides of the chicken are seared, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Carefully spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, about 1/4 inch thick.

Baking to Perfection

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before adding the topping.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly.
3. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
5. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Preparing the Ranch Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. While the chicken is baking, mix together the ranch dressing, chopped chives, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve alongside the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting.
• For extra juicy chicken, brine it first by soaking in salt water (1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water) for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear on the outside.
• Don’t skip the resting period after cooking. This is crucial for keeping the meat juicy.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and light mayonnaise for regular.
• Parmesan chicken is best made fresh, but you can prepare the Parmesan mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
• A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken – no more guessing if it’s done!

Best Ways to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with numerous sides. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Serve over a bed of al dente pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic for a complete meal
• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a restaurant-style experience
• Complement with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious balance
• Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food
• Add a side of Longhorn’s famous mac and cheese for an indulgent feast
• For a lighter option, serve with a side of lemon-butter green beans
• Complete your meal with warm dinner rolls and honey butter

For an authentic Longhorn Steakhouse experience, serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a warmed plate with two sides of your choice and don’t forget the ranch dipping sauce on the side!

Nutritional Information for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with Parmesan crust, without optional ranch sauce):

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

This Parmesan Chicken is high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet. The nutritional content may vary slightly based on the exact size of your chicken breasts and brands of ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the Parmesan crust may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
• Meal Prep: This Parmesan crusted chicken is excellent for meal prep. Make a double batch and slice the chicken to top salads throughout the week.

FAQs for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Parmesan Chicken recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally more moist and flavorful, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Thighs typically take about 5-7 minutes less to cook through than breasts of similar thickness.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in Longhorn Parmesan Chicken?

For a mayonnaise substitute, Greek yogurt makes an excellent alternative. You can use all Greek yogurt in place of both the mayo and sour cream for a lighter version that still delivers a creamy, tangy flavor. The texture may be slightly different, but the result will still be delicious.

How do I know when my Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way to check for doneness is using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast – when it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is perfectly cooked. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part – properly cooked chicken will be completely white with clear juices.

Can I make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time with a few adjustments. Sear the chicken and let it cool, then add the Parmesan topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring the chicken to room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these other restaurant-inspired recipes:

• Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Butter – The perfect companion to your Parmesan chicken!
• Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo – Another restaurant favorite you can easily make at home
• Cheesecake Factory Chicken Madeira – A rich, flavorful chicken dish that rivals your favorite restaurant
• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits – The perfect side for any protein main dish
• Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion – A crowd-pleasing appetizer to start your meal

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Now you have all the secrets to creating the perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of the restaurant original but at a fraction of the cost. The combination of juicy chicken, bold garlic flavor, and that irresistible crispy Parmesan crust creates a dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the answer. It strikes that perfect balance between simple preparation and impressive results – the hallmark of a truly great recipe.

Have you tried making this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken at home? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you add any special touches or side dishes? We’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own.

This recipe was carefully developed to recreate the authentic flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken. While our version aims to match the restaurant experience, it’s our own interpretation and not affiliated with Longhorn Steakhouse restaurants.

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