Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

By Sofia Carter, Certified Culinary Instructor & Comfort Food Enthusiast

If you’re a fan of restaurant-quality meals at home, this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a must-try. Known for its crispy Parmesan crust and juicy, tender chicken, this dish is the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting guests, or treating yourself, this recipe brings the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your kitchen. After meticulous testing, I’ve perfected a version that’s as close to the original as you can get!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Chicken recipe is a standout for several reasons:

• Perfectly Juicy: A simple marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: The Parmesan crust adds a delightful crunch and savory taste.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: Save money and recreate the flavors you love without leaving the house.
• Versatile: Pair it with sides, salads, or pasta for a complete meal.

The Secret to Crispy Parmesan Perfection

The magic of this dish lies in the Parmesan crust. A blend of cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings forms a golden, crispy topping that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. The key is broiling the crust at the end to achieve that signature crunch.

Fun Fact: This recipe was inspired by a dish I had during a special family outing at Longhorn Steakhouse. It quickly became a favorite, and I was determined to recreate it at home.

Ingredients For Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken (Serves 4)

I’ve tested these ingredients across multiple brands to ensure consistency.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or your favorite creamy dressing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and coat them evenly with the marinade. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

3. Make the Parmesan Crust
In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Mix well to form a crumbly topping.

4. Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Add the Parmesan Crust
Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly spread the Parmesan crust mixture over each piece. Switch the oven to broil and return the chicken to the oven. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color.

Pro Tips for Success

Chicken Cooking Tips

• Pound It Even: For consistent cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Monitor the Temp: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F (74°C).

Flavor Enhancers

• Zesty Twist: Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice or lemon zest to the marinade for a citrusy kick.
• Spicy Upgrade: Include ½ tsp of cayenne pepper in the Parmesan crust for heat.

Crisping Tricks

• Airflow Matters: Place the chicken on a wire rack in the baking dish for even browning.
• Foil to the Rescue: If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings:

• Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a Caesar salad.
• Pasta: Serve over fettuccine Alfredo for a decadent option.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Nutritional Insights

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 24g

Dietitian Note: To lighten up the dish, use a low-fat ranch dressing and reduce the butter in the Parmesan crust to 1 tbsp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe but may need a slightly longer cooking time.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs will work as a substitute, though panko gives the crispiest result.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your dressing and Parmesan for gluten-free labeling.

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to your table. Easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!