Are you craving that tender, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse? You don’t need to dine out to enjoy this mouthwatering dish! With a few simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you can recreate this iconic chicken recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen. This copycat version captures all the bold flavors and textures of the original. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to perfect it every time!

What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a beloved menu item, famous for its succulent grilled chicken topped with a creamy, cheesy parmesan crust. It’s a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken breast paired with a crispy parmesan topping that adds a layer of flavor and texture. This dish is usually served with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a simple salad. Now, let's get started on how you can make this at home.
Ingredients List for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To make your own Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan Crust Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for added crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (this helps bind the cheeses and makes the topping creamy)
Substitutions and Variations
There’s plenty of room to experiment with this recipe! Here are some substitution and variation ideas for the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Chicken: You can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even use turkey breast for a leaner variation.
- Cheeses: If you don't have provolone, you can use mozzarella or even Swiss cheese for a similar melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also add Asiago cheese for an extra bite of flavor.
- Gluten-free version: Replace panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety or use crushed almonds or walnuts for a nutty, crunchy crust.
- Spice level: Add a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade if you want a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Feel free to add fresh thyme, basil, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, let's go through the step-by-step process to make this delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Follow these instructions carefully for best results.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- You’ll also need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone, and melted butter.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and cheese. This mixture is what will create that irresistible crunchy top layer.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, sear the chicken breasts on each side for about 2-3 minutes. You want to achieve a nice golden brown color.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
After searing the chicken, it's time to bake and finish off with that cheesy crust. Here’s how:
Step 1: Add the Mayonnaise Layer
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the top of each seared chicken breast. This helps the parmesan topping adhere and also adds a creamy richness.
Step 2: Add the Parmesan Crust
- Spoon the prepared parmesan-panko mixture generously over the mayonnaise-covered chicken breasts.
- Press it down lightly to ensure the crust sticks to the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- During the last few minutes, you can switch to the broil setting to give the parmesan crust an extra golden-brown finish, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Skipping the marinade: The marinade is essential for flavor. Don’t rush this step! Let the chicken absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes.
- Not searing the chicken: Searing locks in the juices and adds a layer of flavor. Don’t skip this step before baking.
- Burning the topping: If you broil the chicken, keep a close eye on it. The cheese and breadcrumbs can burn quickly, so it’s best to broil for just a minute or two.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting this dish:
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- With mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy topping of the chicken.
- Over a bed of greens: A fresh spinach or arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette provides a light, zesty balance to the richness of the chicken.
- With roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a hearty, nutritious side.
- With pasta: For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken alongside a simple pasta dish, such as buttered noodles or fettuccine Alfredo.
Presentation Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board or platter with lemon wedges on the side for a casual, yet elegant presentation.
- Plate the chicken on a large white dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze around the plate for a sophisticated look.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips
- Pounding the chicken: Before marinating, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents thinner parts from overcooking while thicker parts remain undercooked.
- Making ahead: You can prepare the parmesan-panko topping in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Make sure to check the internal temperature before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed nuts for a different texture.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both will still provide that creamy layer to hold the parmesan topping.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
If you're using the broil setting, keep a close eye on the chicken. Broil for only 1-2 minutes to avoid burning the topping.
Conclusion
There you have it — a perfect copycat recipe for Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and crispy, cheesy topping. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with fellow food lovers!
PrintLonghorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan cheese crust. This recipe combines tender chicken with a crunchy, savory topping, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it can be paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix Parmesan, provolone, panko, mayonnaise, and melted butter.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the chicken breasts and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
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