If you’re searching for the perfect recipe to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a must-try. This dish blends crispy, golden chicken with a delicious layer of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or an intimate dinner, this recipe delivers both in taste and presentation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken, along with some helpful tips, nutritional insights, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
What is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular dish made famous by Longhorn Steakhouse. This savory chicken dish is coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, then topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors. The combination of tender chicken with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese makes this recipe irresistible to both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. You likely already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s a quick checklist:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients are the foundation of a rich and flavorful chicken dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Now, let’s talk about how to put it all together.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow this detailed guide to ensure your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This step helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish and allows it to bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
Create your breading station by setting up three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Dish 2: Beat the eggs with milk to create an egg wash.
- Dish 3: Add the flour.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, and finally, press it into the bread crumb mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly for that perfect crispy texture.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The goal is to create a crispy crust while locking in the juices.
5. Transfer to Oven and Add Cheese
Place the browned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic. Sprinkle this cheese mixture generously over the chicken.
6. Bake
Transfer the dish to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately. Pair it with a side of mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes and Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To take your Parmesan Crusted Chicken to the next level, here are some expert tips:
- Double the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, double the garlic in the cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish gluten-free.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella give a better melt and richer flavor.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds, but it also offers some nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
- Rich in Calcium: The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses provide a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- Energy-Boosting Carbs: The breading adds a modest amount of carbohydrates to the dish, which can help fuel your day.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving):
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Calcium: 350mg
- Iron: 2mg
While this dish feels indulgent, it can be a balanced part of your diet when paired with healthy sides like roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and are juicier than breasts. However, they may take a little longer to cook, so make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs well with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great, lighter accompaniments.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.
Yes! You can freeze the breaded chicken before cooking or freeze the fully cooked dish. If freezing before cooking, layer the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet, freeze them individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frying and baking.
To lighten the dish, you can bake the chicken directly without pan-frying. Another option is to use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a winner whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or an intimate date night. It’s packed with flavor, offers a perfect balance of textures, and is surprisingly easy to make. The crispy Parmesan crust combined with the melty mozzarella topping is simply irresistible.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start making your very own Parmesan Crusted Chicken masterpiece!
By following this guide and incorporating the essential tips, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that will make your taste buds sing and your guests ask for seconds. Enjoy!
More Relevant Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
- Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish made with crispy, golden breaded chicken topped with a mouthwatering blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. It’s a perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken and cheesy crust that will satisfy your cravings.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil. This helps the chicken bake evenly while ensuring it doesn’t stick to the dish.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix together the bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs with the milk, creating an egg wash. Finally, pour the flour into a third dish.
- Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the egg wash. Once it’s well-coated in the egg mixture, place it in the bread crumb mixture and press down so the crumbs stick to the chicken.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. You’re not cooking the chicken all the way through here, just giving it a nice crust.
- Transfer to Oven: Once the chicken breasts are golden and crispy, place them into the prepared baking dish. Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness.
- Top with Cheese: Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella and minced garlic. Generously sprinkle this mixture over each chicken breast.
- Bake: Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately. Trust me, the smell alone will have your guests or family running to the table!
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning: If you like a bit more flavor, feel free to add some paprika or cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture for a kick of heat.
- Don’t skip the pan-frying step: This step is crucial for getting that crispy exterior. It ensures your Parmesan Crusted Chicken has a perfect golden-brown crust before it even hits the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer. It’s the most accurate way to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F, keeping it juicy and safe to eat.
- Garlic lovers: If you’re a big fan of garlic, go ahead and double the minced garlic for extra flavor. You can even rub some garlic into the chicken breasts before breading them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken recipe, Longhorn Steakhouse copycat recipes, Crispy chicken with cheese, Baked chicken with Parmesan crust