Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you've ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, then you're likely familiar with their famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken—savory, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Recreating this restaurant-quality dish at home is easier than you think! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your own version of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this step-by-step recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive right in and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch.

What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a grilled chicken breast topped with a layer of creamy ranch spread and a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with the irresistible flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, all perfectly balanced with a crispy texture on top. It’s a comfort food favorite that you can enjoy at home with this easy recipe.

Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

To make this delicious Parmesan chicken at home, you will need a variety of fresh and pantry ingredients. Here's what you'll need for both the chicken and the crust:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon parsley (optional for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

For the Creamy Ranch Spread:

• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking should always be flexible to accommodate your preferences, dietary needs, or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try when making Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer dark meat. Thighs tend to be juicier, but they will take a bit longer to cook.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work as well. Panko offers the crispiest texture, though.
• Ranch Spread Alternatives: Instead of ranch dressing, you can try using Caesar dressing or even a light garlic aioli for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add or replace herbs to suit your taste. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano are excellent additions to the Parmesan crust mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we get into the detailed guide on cooking the chicken, it’s important to prep everything in advance. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

• Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready to bake the chicken once it’s seared.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish in the oven.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Spread

• In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder.
• Set the ranch spread aside until it’s time to top the chicken.

Step 5: Prepare the Parmesan Crust

• In a separate bowl, combine shredded Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and dried basil. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly with butter for a crispy texture.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken

• Once the chicken has finished searing, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish.
• Spread a generous layer of the creamy ranch mixture on top of each chicken breast.
• Then, sprinkle the Parmesan-panko breadcrumb mixture over the ranch spread, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the cheesy topping.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken

• Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the Parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color, and then serve!

How to Cook Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Longhorn’s Parmesan Chicken at home doesn’t need to be complicated. By breaking it down into steps, you can ensure each part of the dish is prepared to perfection. Remember to always check the internal temperature of your chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat (165°F is the recommended temperature for chicken breasts). Following this guide, you'll be on your way to a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out perfectly every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not pounding the chicken breasts evenly: Uneven chicken breasts will cook at different rates, leading to dry or undercooked portions. Flatten them for even cooking.
• Skipping the searing step: Searing adds a beautiful golden crust to the chicken and locks in juices, so don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on the baking time and use a thermometer to check for doneness.
• Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture and flavor of the crust. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make this meal feel even more special, you can put some thought into how you serve and present it. Here are some tips for serving Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Side Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a side of buttered pasta.
• Sauces: Although the chicken is flavorful on its own, you can offer additional dipping sauces like ranch dressing or marinara on the side.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creamy Parmesan flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
• Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
• Add a lemon wedge on the side for a splash of citrus that enhances the flavors.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the Parmesan crust mixture and creamy ranch spread ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and bake.
• Leftovers: This Parmesan chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for scaling up if you're feeding a crowd. Just double or triple the ingredients as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They will take longer to cook, but they tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Q: Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought ranch dressing works great for the creamy ranch spread. If you want to elevate the flavor, you can mix it with some mayonnaise and sour cream as recommended in the recipe.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken, but the crispy topping might lose some of its crunch. To reheat, bake it in the oven at a low temperature to regain some of the crispiness.

Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
A: If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for a crispy alternative.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy this savory chicken dinner whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is sure to become a regular feature in your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to wow your taste buds with this restaurant-quality dish.

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