Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Many people question why Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken stands out from typical home-cooked chicken dishes.
The superior taste of copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken results from the specific preparation method including chicken marinade combined with proper layering and ideal finishing steps.
A homemade version of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken exists that will amaze anyone seeking restaurant-quality flavor in their cooking experience.
The dish matches the legendary Longhorn Steakhouse dish and requires fewer steps than you might think. Read on to learn about the straightforward home preparation of this fantastic duplicate recipe.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to recreate the legendary longhorn parmesan-crusted chicken flavor:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut preferred)
• 1 cup Italian dressing (for marinating)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for the creamy topping)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (for the parmesan crust)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Substitutions:

• Provolone cheese → Can swap for mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Italian dressing → Homemade vinaigrette works well too.
• Ranch dressing → Try Greek yogurt ranch for a lighter option.

Pro Tip: Always use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded bags for a richer, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Timing

You’ll be surprised how efficient this copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is compared to traditional methods:

That’s about 20% faster than most traditional longhorn parmesan chicken recipes, which often require up to 90 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

make longhorn parmesan crusted chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Pound the chicken lightly to even thickness.
• Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes (overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Grill or cook the chicken

• Grill the chicken over medium heat or sear in a skillet until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Remove the chicken and set aside on a baking tray.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust

• In a bowl, mix ranch dressing, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
• Smooth this over the chicken generously.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

• Top each chicken breast with shredded provolone and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Broil to Finish

• Broil the chicken in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden with a crunchy parmesan crust.

Tip: Watch carefully while broiling! The parmesan crust can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting per serving (based on 4 servings):

High in protein, moderate fat—perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Creating a lighter version of this indulgent dish is entirely possible without sacrificing flavor:

1. Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein content by approximately 15%.
2. Use a light Italian dressing for the marinade to cut down on oil content.
3. Replace half the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat option that still provides a cheesy flavor.
4. Opt for light provolone cheese or reduced-fat mozzarella to decrease overall fat content.
5. Add finely chopped herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives to the parmesan mixture to enhance flavor without adding calories.

For those following specific dietary plans, consider these adaptations:

• Keto/Low-Carb: This copycat recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well within keto guidelines.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Italian and ranch dressings are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: While challenging to replicate exactly, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a plant-based ranch dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your longhorn parmesan crusted chicken with these complementary side dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken crust.
• Roasted asparagus or green beans: The slight bitterness balances the rich, cheesy topping.
• Lemon-herb rice pilaf: Adds a bright, citrusy element that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette: Provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken.

For an impressive presentation, place the chicken on a warmed plate with a drizzle of warm marinara sauce around (not on top, to preserve the crispy crust). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a lemon wedge to add color and a fresh aromatic element that elevates the entire dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the pounding step: Uneven chicken thickness leads to inconsistent cooking, with some parts overdone while others remain undercooked. Take the time to pound your chicken breast to even thickness.
2. Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator: This causes uneven cooking and can result in a rubbery texture. Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
3. Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many pieces at once lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat.
4. Not patting the chicken dry before searing: Excess moisture prevents proper browning and caramelization. Always pat marinated chicken dry with paper towels.
5. Applying the parmesan mixture too early: Adding it before searing will cause the cheese to burn. Sear first, then add the cheese and parmesan crust before baking.
6. Opening the oven repeatedly to check: This causes temperature fluctuations that affect cooking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer instead.
7. Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking releases juices that should remain in the meat, resulting in drier chicken. The 5-minute rest is crucial.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Properly stored, this longhorn parmesan crusted chicken can extend your enjoyment beyond just one meal:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness of the crust, place a paper towel under and over the chicken to absorb excess moisture.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not ideal as it affects the texture of the parmesan crust. If necessary, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat at 60% power with a paper towel over the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Options: You can prepare components in advance—marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking and mix the parmesan crust up to 2 days ahead, storing it covered in the refrigerator.

FAQs

How to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

To make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch)
2. Marinate chicken in Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes
3. Prepare parmesan crust by mixing freshly grated parmesan, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian herbs
4. Sear the marinated chicken in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side
5. Top each chicken breast with provolone cheese
6. Spread the parmesan mixture over the provolone
7. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F
8. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy crust
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

How to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse?

The key to authentic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is:

• Using Italian dressing as a marinade
• Creating the signature parmesan crust with fresh parmesan, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise
• Adding a slice of provolone under the parmesan mixture
• Achieving that golden, slightly crispy top using the broiler
• Allowing the chicken to rest so it stays juicy

How to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn?

For the best Longhorn-style Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• Use freshly grated parmesan, not pre-packaged
• Ensure chicken is pounded to even thickness for consistent cooking
• Properly sear the chicken before adding cheese toppings
• Let the chicken rest at room temperature before cooking
• Don’t skip the final broiling step that creates the signature crust

How much protein is in Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

According to the nutritional information provided in the article, each serving of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken contains approximately 48 grams of protein. This provides about 96% of your daily protein needs.

Is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken low carb?

Yes, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is low carb, containing only 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This makes it suitable for keto and low-carb diets while providing ample protein (48g) and fat (32g) content.

Conclusion

This remarkable easy preparation stands as a faithful version of longhorn parmesan crusted chicken at home because it offers tender chicken breast with provolone cheese and a restaurant-inspired parmesan crust. Using these complete guidelines and learning from typical mistakes will let you make an impressive dinner dish which home chefs can manage. The merge of Italian dressing marinade with the rich cheesy topping gives the dish its distinctive flavor that makes customers return repeatedly.
Your family along with chicken dinner guests will be impressed by your cooking skills. Try preparing this longhorn parmesan crusted chicken now and report your outcomes in the comment section. You can find more restaurant-quality home cookable recipes through our blog subscription.