Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Have you ever dreamed of making restaurant-quality meals at home? Today, I’m excited to share with you an easy recipe for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. This dish brings the rich, cheesy, and crispy flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. In this post, you will learn how to make tender chicken with melty cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping—all in a friendly, step-by-step way that even a fourth grader can follow!

Background and Inspiration

Longhorn Steakhouse is famous for its hearty steaks and delicious sides, but one dish that stands out is the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is loved by many because it combines juicy chicken with a mix of savory cheeses and a crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible.

I first discovered this dish at a family dinner and was amazed by the restaurant-quality taste. The secret of its magic lies in the simple ingredients and the special way it is cooked. Inspired by the idea of bringing a piece of Longhorn Steakhouse into my own home, I decided to recreate this copycat recipe. Now, I want to share this fun and tasty recipe with you so that you can enjoy a wonderful meal without leaving your house.

Recipe Overview

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are pounded to an even thickness. They are marinated in a blend of olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and pepper. After marinating, the chicken is seared or grilled to lock in the juices. Next, a delicious mix of Parmesan and Provolone cheeses is spread on top, followed by a topping made with melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs. The final step is to finish the dish under the broiler until the cheese is melty and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.

Ingredients and Tools

Main Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper

Marinade Components

• Olive oil
• Ranch dressing
• Worcestershire sauce
• Distilled white vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Ground pepper

Parmesan Crust Elements

• Freshly grated or chopped Parmesan cheese
• Chopped Provolone cheese
• Buttermilk ranch dressing (or regular ranch as an alternative)
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Panko breadcrumbs

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Meat mallet or tenderizer
• Mixing bowls and measuring cups
• Skillet (preferably cast iron) or grill pan
• Oven with broiler function
• Tongs and a spatula

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Marinating the Chicken

1. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ground pepper. This tasty marinade is the heart of our Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken.
2. Pound the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Season and Marinate: Sprinkle salt and pepper on each side of the chicken. Then, put the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even richer flavor, you can leave it overnight.

2. Searing or Grilling the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with vegetable oil.
2. Sear the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side. This helps create a golden, crispy crust. Remember, do not move the chicken too early!
3. Set Aside: Once both sides are nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Preparing the Parmesan Crust

1. Combine Cheeses and Ranch: In a medium bowl, mix the Parmesan and Provolone cheeses with a little buttermilk ranch dressing. If you like, you can warm the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to help it melt.
2. Spread the Cheese: Generously spread this cheesy mixture over each piece of chicken.
3. Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

4. Finishing Under the Broiler

1. Preheat the Broiler: Adjust your oven to broil at about 450°F.
2. Assemble in an Oven-Safe Dish: Place the seared chicken in an oven-safe dish. Top each piece with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Broil to Perfection: Put the dish in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to make your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken perfect every time:

• For a Crispy Crust: Double-dip your chicken in the marinade if you like an extra-thick crust.
• Juicy Chicken Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This keeps it juicy and safe to eat.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: You can grill the chicken instead of searing it on the stovetop. Both methods work great!
• Recipe Variations:
  • Try using chicken thighs for a different texture.
  • Substitute Provolone with Mozzarella or Swiss cheese if you prefer.
  • For a keto-friendly version, replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with these tasty sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy crunch.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with crunchy croutons and a light dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.

For an extra special touch, serve the chicken on a pretty plate with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for a bit of zesty flavor.

Nutritional Information and Storage

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving for this delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

• Calories: Around 660 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 52 g (including 21 g of saturated fat)
• Sodium: Approximately 1064 mg

Storage Tips

• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven to help keep the breadcrumb topping crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the crust soggy.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in the marinade?
A: Yes! If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use Italian dressing for the marinade. Both work well to infuse the chicken with flavor.

Q: How do I avoid drying out the chicken?
A: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer. Overcooking can dry out the chicken, so keep a close eye on it.

Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 10 minutes after searing. The cheese and topping might not be as crispy, but it will still taste great.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a crock pot?
A: This recipe is best made with a skillet and broiler to achieve the perfect crispy crust. Using a crock pot will change the texture and may not give you the same result.

Q: Are there any dietary substitutions?
A: For a keto-friendly version, use crushed pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different cheeses if you have dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe lets you enjoy the best of restaurant flavors in your own home. With its tender, juicy chicken, melty cheese topping, and crispy breadcrumb finish, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is both easy and fun to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I hope you try this recipe and see for yourself how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share your results with us—leave a comment or send us a photo of your delicious creation. Your feedback makes this cooking journey even more fun!

Ready to bring a taste of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken into your kitchen? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and make your very own Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken tonight. And if you’re in the mood for a twist, try experimenting with a grilled chicken margherita on the side. Share your culinary triumphs and join our community of home chefs who love great food. Happy cooking!

By following this friendly, step-by-step guide, you can enjoy the magic of Longhorn Steakhouse Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home. Try this recipe today and let the flavors make your day a little brighter!

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