Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you're a fan of restaurant-quality dishes made at home, you're in for a treat! The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a perfect choice when you want to enjoy a savory, cheesy, and juicy meal. This mouth-watering recipe is famous for its tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a blend of cheeses and topped with a delicious Parmesan crust. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or special occasion, this Parmesan chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite. Follow along as we dive into every step of recreating this iconic dish right in your kitchen.

What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a signature dish that combines grilled or baked chicken breasts with a delicious cheesy Parmesan topping. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, grilled until juicy, and then covered with a blend of Parmesan, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses. The crunchy Parmesan crust on top adds texture and flavor, making it a rich and indulgent dish. While it seems complex, it’s actually quite easy to replicate at home with the right ingredients and a few helpful tips.

Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

To make this Parmesan-crusted chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients to ensure you capture the authentic taste of Longhorn’s version. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand, don’t worry! There are several substitutions and variations you can try to make the recipe work for you while keeping the delicious flavor profile.

• Chicken Thighs: You can swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and slightly richer flavor.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re missing provolone or mozzarella, you can substitute with cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss cheese. The key is to use a combination of cheeses that melt well and complement the Parmesan.
• Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swap out Italian seasoning for herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and make a low-carb, keto-friendly version by using crushed pork rinds for the crust.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Start by prepping your chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.

2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub the seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of each chicken breast. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.

3. Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also grill the chicken on an outdoor grill for an authentic smoky flavor.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Crust: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Parmesan crust. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone, shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it forms a crumbly topping.

5. Broil the Chicken with the Parmesan Crust: Once the chicken is cooked through, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil. Spoon the Parmesan crust mixture generously over each piece of chicken, covering the top completely. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

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

1. Pound the Chicken: To get that restaurant-quality texture, make sure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dry, overcooked spots.
2. Season Well: A well-seasoned chicken breast is the key to adding depth to your dish. Don’t skip out on the spices—use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and even lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
3. Grill or Sear First: Grilling or pan-searing the chicken before adding the Parmesan crust locks in the juices and gives the chicken a delicious caramelized exterior.
4. Broil to Perfection: Broiling the cheese crust ensures a crispy, golden topping while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when preparing Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure you cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
• Skipping the Pounding Step: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Don’t skip this step!
• Not Watching the Broiler: The broiler can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye on your chicken while broiling.
• Using Too Much Salt: Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so go easy on adding extra salt to the crust or chicken.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to serving a restaurant-quality meal. Here are a few tips for making your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken look as good as it tastes.

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil over the top of the chicken adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Plating: Serve the chicken on a white plate to make the golden crust and melted cheese stand out.
• Accompaniments: Pair the Parmesan chicken with simple sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

When serving Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, consider pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the crunchy Parmesan topping.
• Steamed or Grilled Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make for a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine with a light garlic butter sauce for a more filling meal.

Presentation Ideas for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Layered Plate: Serve the Parmesan chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes with a side of grilled asparagus for a well-balanced, attractive plate.
• Rustic Charm: Present the dish on a wooden cutting board with a side of rustic roasted vegetables and garnished with sprigs of rosemary.
• Family-Style: Place the Parmesan chicken on a large platter and serve family-style, with bowls of different sides around the table for a cozy, shared meal.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: You can prep the chicken and Parmesan crust ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner prep even easier.
• Cheese Freshness: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and adds a richer flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking your chicken, invest in a good meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the Parmesan crust?
A: If you prefer to skip the mayonnaise, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Q: How long does it take to broil the Parmesan crust?
A: Broiling typically takes 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese topping.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bring the taste of your favorite steakhouse right to your dinner table. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness of Parmesan-crusted chicken!

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