If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines crispy, golden crust with melty cheese and rich marinara, you are going to fall in love with the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful Parmesan and herb crust, making it a family favorite that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy panko coating to the aromatic herbs and gooey mozzarella topping, these components come together effortlessly to make something truly special.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose medium-thick breasts for even cooking and juicy results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: A light coating that helps the breading stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue to hold the flavorful panko and Parmesan mixture in place.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch that defines this signature crust.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives that irresistible crispiness and light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall seasoning with its gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces an herbal, slightly peppery note that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a touch of classic Italian flavor into the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: For browning the chicken to golden perfection and locking in moisture.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: A rich, tangy base that complements the crunchy topping beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the chicken giving that dreamy, gooey finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of fresh color and a mild herbal note to complete the dish.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that the chicken will bake evenly, and the parchment helps keep things from sticking while making cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls to create your breading stations—one with the flour, one with whisked eggs, and a third holding the mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This organized approach helps your breading process go smoothly and keep the chicken well-coated.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Breasts
Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the eggs, allowing the mixture to coat it completely. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating sticks well to maximize crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until each piece is golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds that attractive, crispy golden texture that’s so satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your browned chicken breasts to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce over each breast, followed by an even sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve Your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
After taking the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for a moment before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. This adds the final fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish that not only brightens the look but also adds a mild herbal freshness to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. The sides should ideally complement the savory and cheesy profile without overpowering it, enhancing the comforting vibe of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Parmesan chicken on a bed of creamy risotto or alongside roasted asparagus spears for a splash of color and texture. You could also slice the chicken and layer it over pasta tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs to create an inviting, shareable platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it sealed well ensures the flavors stay fresh, and the chicken remains moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to two months. When freezing, be sure to let the chicken reach room temperature before freezing to avoid condensation which can affect texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy crust and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and can add even more juiciness, though you might need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Make sure your seasonings and marinara sauce are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time before cooking?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover tightly and bake it fresh for the best crispy texture.
What marinara sauce works best?
Any quality store-bought marinara sauce with robust tomato flavor works perfectly here, or you can use homemade marinara for an extra fresh, personal touch.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use olive oil or dairy-free margarine if you typically cook with butter.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe—it’s a home-cooked crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and approachable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a go-to dinner favorite. Once you experience those crispy, cheesy, herb-infused bites, you’ll understand why it’s so loved. Happy cooking!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a deliciously crispy, tender, and cheesy chicken dish inspired by the popular restaurant. Breaded with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then browned on the stove and baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, a second with whisked eggs, and a third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast by dredging first in the flour, then dipping into the whisked eggs, and finally pressing into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, flavorful coating.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the breaded chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your preferred tomato sauce or homemade version.
- For extra crispy chicken, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking to brown the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Pair with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
