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If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken, look no further than the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This recipe captures that restaurant-quality flavor and texture right in your own kitchen. Imagine biting into a perfectly breaded chicken breast coated in a savory blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, all accented by a touch of Italian seasoning and garlic. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, and it’s easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe really starts with simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one is essential, whether it’s the blend of cheeses that gives the crust its irresistible flavor and texture or the flour and eggs that help everything stick together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that classic taste:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat to complement the crispy coating.
- 1 cup bread crumbs: Adds crunch and helps form the crispy outer layer.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty note that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg mixture stick by creating a dry base on the chicken.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a glue to bind the breading to the chicken.
- 1/4 cup milk: Combined with eggs to create a smooth coating mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fresh, aromatic punch to the breadcrumb mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Coating Mixtures
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your chicken hits the baking dish. While that warms up, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to make a smooth coating mixture. These two bowls will be your breading stations for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and lightly coat it in flour. This step is crucial because it creates a dry surface allowing the egg mixture to cling nicely. After flouring, dip the chicken into the egg and milk mixture, making sure every bit of the chicken is coated. This acts like a sticky glue layer to hold on the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Coat with the Cheese and Breadcrumb Mixture
Now comes the best part—press each chicken breast firmly into that cheesy breadcrumb mixture. Don’t be shy about pressing; you want a thick, even coating to lock in moisture and make every bite full of that famous cheesy crust everyone loves.
Step 4: Fry until Golden
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This quick pan-frying seals in the juices and creates a crispy exterior that sets the stage for baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and slide them into your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The oven finishes cooking them through while melting the cheeses inside the crust. Don’t forget to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe, moist chicken every time.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can add freshness and color to your plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of green and a bright herbal note. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also cuts through the richness and adds a lovely zing that pairs beautifully with the cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh, vibrant sides. Think garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad. Each can complement the creamy, crunchy chicken with different textures and flavors, making the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce to turn it into a chicken parmesan pasta dinner. Or arrange individual portions with a side of sautéed spinach and garlic for an elegant plating that’s sure to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 3 days, preserving all those crispy cheesy flavors to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen this way, they maintain their tasty goodness for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for meal prepping or saving a batch for later.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crispiness, reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes instead of the microwave. This method warms the chicken evenly and keeps the coating crunchy, making it taste nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan and mozzarella?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and mozzarella are traditional and offer the perfect combination of sharpness and meltiness, you can experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a mild cheddar for a different twist. Just remember to maintain the balance between strong flavor and melting quality.
Is it possible to bake the chicken without frying first?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken directly. However, frying first helps seal the coating and locks in moisture, ensuring a crispier texture. If baking only, consider spraying the chicken lightly with oil to help crisp the crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. There are many great gluten-free bread crumb products available that will help you keep the texture similar without compromising the flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through yet still juicy. Cutting into the chicken and checking that the juices run clear is another indicator, but a thermometer is best for consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance to save time on a busy day?
Yes! You can fully bread the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, just fry and bake as directed. This prep-ahead method saves time and lets the flavors meld beautifully, making your dinner even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavors into your home kitchen with straightforward steps and accessible ingredients. It’s crispy, cheesy, tender, and satisfying in a way that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, follow along, and treat yourself to this fantastic dish. I promise you’ll love it as much as I do!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts breaded with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. The chicken is first pan-fried to a golden crisp and then baked to juicy perfection, making it a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating Mixture
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the flavorful breading.
- Mix the Eggs and Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended to create a wet dip for the chicken.
- Dredge Chicken in Flour: Lightly coat each chicken breast with all-purpose flour on both sides to help the egg mixture adhere.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Fully dip the floured chicken breasts into the egg and milk mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture: Press the chicken breasts firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating sticks well covering the entire surface.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the crust forms beautifully.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy Parmesan chicken with your favorite sides.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using cooking spray instead of olive oil for pan-searing.
- Serving suggestion: pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
