There are some restaurant dishes that just stick with you, and for many, Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of them. That perfect golden crust, the tender juicy chicken, and that rich, creamy cheese sauce... it's a symphony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. But what if you could recreate that magic in your own kitchen?
Today, we're bringing you an incredible copycat recipe that delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of the original, right at home! No reservations needed, just a few simple ingredients and a love for delicious food. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade version of a classic.
Why You'll Love This Copycat Recipe
This isn't just another chicken recipe; it's an experience. Here's why this copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will become a new favorite:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite steakhouse without leaving your kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: You'll likely have most of these on hand, making it a convenient weeknight meal.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to steamed veggies.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or cheese types to suit your preferences.
- Impressive: Looks and tastes fancy, but is surprisingly easy to make!
Key Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here's a quick look at what makes it shine:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain incredibly juicy.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder lays the foundation for flavor.
- Olive Oil: Essential for pan-searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- The Cheese Sauce: This is where the magic happens! A blend of ranch dressing, grated Parmesan, and shredded provolone (or mozzarella) creates a rich, tangy, and utterly addictive topping.
Having a quality chef's knife can make preparing your chicken breasts, whether trimming or butterflying, much easier and safer. It's a kitchen tool that truly elevates your cooking experience.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Home
Making this dish is straightforward and rewarding. You'll start by preparing your chicken, giving it a quick sear, and then moving on to craft the incredibly delicious cheese topping. A brief spell in the oven brings it all together, melting the cheese into a glorious, bubbly crust.
The full, detailed recipe can be found in the recipe card below. It includes precise measurements and step-by-step instructions to guide you to culinary success!
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Even Thickness: Pound your chicken breasts to about 3/4-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steaming instead of browning.
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Broiler Finish: A quick blast under the broiler after the cheese has melted can give that beautiful golden-brown, slightly crispy crust.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, or a simple side salad.
Get ready to savor every bite of this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It's comfort food at its finest, easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy!
FAQs
What makes Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken so special?
Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is celebrated for its perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast topped with a rich, savory Parmesan cheese crust and a creamy, delectable cheese sauce. It's a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that makes it a menu favorite.
Can I use different types of cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella are recommended for their meltability and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar, Gruyere, or even a blend of Italian cheeses to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
To keep chicken breasts juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C). A quick sear followed by baking can also help lock in moisture.
Is this copycat recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't use any breading or flour. Always double-check your ranch dressing and any other packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if dietary restrictions are a concern.
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Recreate the iconic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken with this easy copycat recipe featuring juicy chicken topped with a savory parmesan crust and creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
Step 4: While the chicken sears, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully covered.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese sauce is bubbly and lightly golden. For an extra golden crust, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in some finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to the sauce for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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