Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, savory goodness of Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken. With its tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a golden, cheesy crust, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

I discovered this copycat recipe after a craving for the restaurant's signature dish hit on a night I wasn’t up for dining out. After a few attempts and tweaks, I nailed the perfect homemade version. Now it’s a family favorite that never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Get ready to bring the taste of the steakhouse into your own kitchen with this restaurant-quality dish. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a flavorful, indulgent dinner.

First, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. Despite its gourmet presentation, you can have this chicken on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

The layers of flavor are what set this dish apart. From the seasoned chicken to the creamy ranch layer and that irresistible parmesan crust, each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

It’s also versatile. Serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a hearty meal, or pair it with a crisp side salad for something lighter. No matter how you plate it, it’s bound to be a hit.

And let’s not forget the cost savings. Making this dish at home is far more budget-friendly than dining out, but it doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The key to recreating Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Go for boneless, skinless breasts and pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Thicker cuts will take longer to cook and might dry out, so this step is crucial.

Seasoned bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese form the crispy topping. While store-bought breadcrumbs work, using freshly grated parmesan makes all the difference in achieving that nutty, cheesy flavor.

Ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy layer beneath the crust. Use your favorite brand, or make it from scratch if you prefer a fresher taste.

Provolone cheese melts beautifully and provides a mild, gooey layer that ties everything together. You can substitute mozzarella if needed, but provolone’s slightly sharp flavor complements the parmesan perfectly.

Smoked paprika and garlic powder add subtle depth to the chicken seasoning. These spices enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a sturdy oven-safe skillet or a baking dish to transition from stovetop to oven seamlessly.

How To Make This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Recreating this dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a dinner that rivals the original.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats, prepare your chicken. Pound the breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch, and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage, as it will finish in the oven.

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Spread a layer of ranch dressing over each piece of chicken, followed by slices of provolone cheese.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and a touch of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the topping is golden and bubbly. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfectly crisp crust.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

For refrigeration, place the chicken in an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust’s texture, reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the crust soggy. Opt for the oven to keep the topping crispy and the chicken juicy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or swap the ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle sauce.

If you’re not a fan of provolone, try using Swiss or Gouda cheese instead. Both melt well and add unique flavors to the dish.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring the ranch dressing is gluten-free as well.

Looking to add extra nutrition? Layer fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms beneath the provolone cheese for a veggie-packed twist.

For a smoky barbecue-inspired variation, brush the chicken with a layer of barbecue sauce before adding the ranch dressing and topping.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences and what you have on hand.

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