Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

The Best Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ever

Longhorn’s parmesan crusted chicken has become a culinary sensation that sparks serious cravings among restaurant enthusiasts.

Passionate home cooks seek to recreate this delectable dish in their own kitchens.

Crispy cheese coatings and tender meat create an irresistible combination everyone loves.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in perfectly balanced seasonings and precise cooking techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth with incredible flavor profiles.

Simple ingredients and smart preparation can help you master this restaurant-quality meal at home.

Dive into this recipe and impress everyone around your dinner table with restaurant-worthy skills.

Why Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tastes Amazing

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Create restaurant-quality chicken that rivals Longhorn's signature dish right in your kitchen.
  • Foolproof Technique: Master a straightforward recipe with simple steps that guarantee delicious results, even for novice home cooks.
  • Flavor Explosion: Craft a mouthwatering meal featuring a perfectly seasoned marinade and crispy parmesan-provolone crust that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a gourmet-style chicken recipe that works brilliantly for casual dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Main Ingredients:

Chicken Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender meat perfect for this restaurant-style dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese for a rich crust.
  • Provolone Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully.
Marinade Base:
  • Ranch Dressing: Tangy and creamy flavor enhancer.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Dry Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth.
Coating Elements:
  • Breadcrumbs: Crispy golden topping for extra texture.
  • Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs adhere and adds richness.

Supporting Ingredients:

Cooking Components:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing chicken in skillet.
  • Foil: Helps retain chicken's warmth after cooking.

How to Make Copycat Longhorn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Start by gently pounding chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer until they reach an even 1/2 inch thickness.

Season both sides with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

Whisk together marinade ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Place chicken in a large freezer bag, pour in the marinade, seal completely, and remove excess air.

Step 3: Let Flavors Develop

Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Vegetable oil

Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with oil.

Carefully place chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer to a clean plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Topping

Combine in a microwave-safe bowl:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Provolone cheese
  • Ranch dressing

Microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture becomes smooth and melted.

Step 6: Apply Cheese Coating

Spread the melted cheese mixture generously over the seared chicken breasts.

Step 7: Create Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Mix together:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Breadcrumbs

Step 8: Final Broiling

Preheat broiler to low (around 450°F).

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese-covered chicken.

Broil for 1-2 minutes until breadcrumbs turn golden and cheese is bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from broiler and let rest for a few minutes.

Plate and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Cooking Tips for Longhorn Chicken

  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gentle tapping prevents tearing the meat and helps create a uniform thickness.
  • Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight delivers maximum flavor infusion. Refrigeration helps ingredients penetrate deeply, enhancing taste and tenderness.
  • Maintain medium-high temperature for perfect golden sear. Adjust heat if pan gets too hot to prevent burning and achieve beautiful caramelization without drying out chicken.
  • Monitor cheese and breadcrumb topping during final minutes to prevent burning. Broiling times can vary, so keep a close eye to ensure a golden, crispy crust without charring.
  • Swap Ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for lower-fat version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising delicious flavor profile.

Store and Reheat Copycat Longhorn Chicken Properly

  • Store chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum flavor preservation.
  • Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original juiciness.
  • Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before reheating to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture.

What to Pair with Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

  • Flavor Companions: Crisp White Wine Pairing
  • Uncork a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the chicken's rich parmesan crust. These light, refreshing wines cut through the cheese's richness while enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
  • Sidekick Salad: Bright Mediterranean Harmony
  • Craft a lemony arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, feta crumbles, and a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a perfect counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy chicken.
  • Carb Companion: Roasted Herb Potatoes
  • Slice baby potatoes, toss with rosemary, thyme, and olive oil, then roast until golden and crispy. These herbed potatoes absorb the chicken's savory juices and add a delightful textural contrast.
  • Veggie Wingman: Roasted Asparagus Spears
  • Drizzle fresh asparagus with garlic-infused olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and roast until tender-crisp. The vegetable's subtle earthiness beautifully balances the chicken's decadent parmesan coating.

Flavor Spins for Longhorn Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely ground pecans to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and Provolone, and substitute ranch dressing with cashew-based cream for a lactose-free adaptation.
  • Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade and mix dried herbs like thyme and rosemary into the cheese coating for a zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is surprisingly simple. Even home cooks with basic skills can master it with a little patience and attention to detail.

  • What makes the marinade special?

The marinade helps tenderize the chicken and infuse deep flavors. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) allows the ingredients to penetrate the meat, creating a more delicious result.

  • Why use a cast iron skillet for searing?

Cast iron provides even heat distribution and creates an incredible golden-brown crust on the chicken. It helps achieve that restaurant-quality sear that locks in moisture and flavor.

  • Can I substitute the cheeses if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or asiago. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the chicken’s flavor profile.

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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight to home kitchens. Crispy parmesan coating and juicy chicken combine for a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper

Cooking Fat:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by tenderizing it to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking ingredients until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, providing a foundational layer of taste.
  4. Immerse the chicken in the marinade within a sealed freezer bag, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  5. Heat a cast iron skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
  6. Carefully place the marinated chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes without disturbance.
  7. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to maintain warmth and juiciness.
  8. Blend Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing, gently melting the mixture in short microwave intervals until reaching a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  9. Generously coat the chicken with the cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Position the chicken under a low broiler set to approximately 450° F, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
  11. Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping.
  12. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese-covered chicken, returning it to the broiler for a brief final minute to achieve a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior.
  13. Remove from the broiler and let rest momentarily before serving to allow the flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, with overnight marination yielding the most intense taste profile.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the crispy coating’s integrity.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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