Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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The Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table. With a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust, juicy chicken breast, and a creamy topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The seasoned breadcrumb coating, rich Italian spices, and fresh garlic create a mouthwatering combination that makes each bite savory and satisfying.

Ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is easy to prepare but impressive enough to serve to guests. Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete, hearty meal. This recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!

Full Recipe:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs with milk until smooth.
Place flour in a third shallow dish.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy (no need to cook through yet).
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with shredded mozzarella and minced garlic, and sprinkle over the chicken breasts.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Longhorn Steakhouse-Inspired Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Restaurant Classic Made for Home

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken has long been a favorite among diners, boasting a crispy coating with a perfectly balanced blend of savory cheeses and spices. This dish brings the flavors of a restaurant meal to the comfort of your own kitchen, making it perfect for those who want to recreate a delicious, indulgent dinner at home. With its golden, breaded crust, juicy chicken breast, and melted cheesy topping, this recipe is both satisfying and adaptable to personal preferences, making it a frequent choice for home cooks looking to elevate their meal game.

The Origins of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken was inspired by Italian-American cuisine, where breaded and baked or pan-fried chicken is a common comfort food. Longhorn Steakhouse perfected this concept with its distinct combination of a crunchy crust, tender chicken, and melted cheese topping, creating a dish that’s memorable yet approachable. While traditionally served in a restaurant setting, this version of Parmesan Crusted Chicken has been adapted for home kitchens, preserving the authenticity of flavor while making the preparation more accessible.

Flavor Profile and Appeal

The flavor profile of this dish is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that makes it instantly appealing. The outer crust provides a satisfying crunch, achieved by coating the chicken in seasoned bread crumbs with a hint of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs. Inside, the chicken remains juicy and tender, a result of careful cooking techniques that ensure it doesn’t dry out. Finally, the melted layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top adds a rich, creamy finish, bringing balance to the dish. It’s a sensory experience that’s comforting, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners or special gatherings alike.

Tips for Perfecting Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Home

One of the joys of preparing Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is that you can control every step, from breading to baking, to achieve the ideal balance of crunchiness, moisture, and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out perfectly:

Use Evenly Sized Chicken Breasts: To ensure that each chicken breast cooks evenly, choose pieces that are similar in thickness. If the breasts are too thick, consider pounding them gently to a uniform size. This helps in achieving a consistent cooking time and prevents some pieces from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.
Fresh Parmesan Cheese is Key: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often has added starches that can interfere with the melting and crisping process. For the best results, grate your cheese just before using it.
Double Coating for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy crust, some cooks prefer a double-coating technique. After breading the chicken once, you can dip it back in the egg mixture and again in the bread crumbs. This adds an additional layer of crunch that many people enjoy.
Pre-Browning the Chicken: This recipe recommends pan-frying the breaded chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side before baking. This step helps the coating develop a golden color and crispy texture, which holds up better in the oven and gives the chicken a beautiful presentation.
Use a Baking Rack: When transferring the chicken to the oven, consider placing it on a baking rack inside your baking dish. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring an even bake.

Customizing Parmesan Crusted Chicken to Suit Tastes and Dietary Needs

This recipe can be easily customized to suit a variety of taste preferences and dietary needs. Some modifications that work well include:

Herb and Lemon Zest Crust: For added flavor, try mixing lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or rosemary into the bread crumb mixture. The lemon brings a fresh, zesty note, while the herbs add an aromatic dimension to the dish.
Spicy Parmesan Crust: Adding a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture gives the dish a subtle kick. This spicy twist can balance the richness of the cheese and provide a bit of heat for those who enjoy spicier meals.
Extra Cheesy Variation: While the classic version uses Parmesan and mozzarella, you can experiment with other types of cheese for more depth. Provolone, fontina, or Asiago cheese work wonderfully in this recipe and create an extra-cheesy experience.
Gluten-Free Option: By substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free bread crumbs, you can make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Panko Breadcrumb Alternative: Panko breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust. This Japanese-style breadcrumb has a unique texture that gives an airy crunch to the coating, enhancing the overall bite of the chicken.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete meal that suits any occasion. Here are a few recommended pairings:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of garlic mashed potatoes is a natural fit with the crispy chicken, creating a hearty and comforting combination.
Steamed Vegetables: To balance the richness of the chicken, a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can add freshness and lighten up the meal.
Pasta or Rice: For an Italian-inspired meal, serve the chicken over a bed of buttered pasta or alongside a simple risotto. The mild flavors of pasta or rice complement the savory chicken and make for a well-rounded plate.
Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the cheesy chicken, bringing brightness and balance to each bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re planning to make extra or have leftovers, storing and reheating Parmesan Crusted Chicken properly is essential to maintain its quality. Here’s how to handle leftovers effectively:

Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to keep the coating crispy and the chicken moist.
Freezing for Later Use: To freeze, prepare the chicken up to the breading and pan-frying steps. Place the chicken on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Conclusion: Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a Must-Try Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home table. With its irresistible crunch, juicy interior, and melty cheese topping, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. The flexibility of the recipe allows for modifications that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, making it suitable for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or special occasions.

By following a few simple tips, anyone can achieve a crispy, flavorful Parmesan crust at home, recreating the flavors of a restaurant classic with ease. Whether served alongside garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or buttery pasta, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile and delicious choice that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the satisfying experience of crafting this dish in your kitchen and sharing it with loved ones – it’s comfort food that’s worth savoring.