Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning and helps the crust adhere better.
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and slightly bubbling.
- 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
- 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.
- Mix until you have a thick, spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to a thick frosting.
- Once both sides of the chicken are seared, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Carefully spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, about 1/4 inch thick.
Baking to Perfection
- 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.
- 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.
- For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Preparing the Ranch Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- While the chicken is baking, mix together the ranch dressing, chopped chives, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve alongside the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken.
Notes
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!
Storage & Leftovers:
- Store leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, copycat recipe, restaurant style chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe, parmesan chicken breast