Introduction
If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you might be familiar with their incredibly flavorful Parmesan-Crusted Chicken. This dish features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and rich, savory flavor.
The good news? You don’t have to visit Longhorn Steakhouse to enjoy this mouthwatering meal! This copycat recipe brings all the flavor of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this dish for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian-inspired flavors, crispy textures, or gooey cheese, this Parmesan-crusted chicken will surely impress your family and guests.
Overview of the Recipe
This dish consists of three key elements:
✔️ Juicy Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
✔️ Crispy Parmesan Coating – A mix of grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning gives the chicken a crunchy, flavorful crust.
✔️ Melted Mozzarella Topping – A final layer of gooey mozzarella cheese adds richness and a restaurant-quality finish.
Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan, this version does not have marinara sauce, making it a lighter, crispier alternative.
The result? A savory, cheesy, perfectly crispy dish that pairs well with various sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.
The History Behind Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Parmesan-crusted chicken, though popularized by Longhorn Steakhouse, has roots in Italian cuisine. It’s a variation of Chicken Milanese, a classic Italian dish where breaded chicken cutlets are pan-fried until crispy.
This recipe takes inspiration from both Chicken Milanese and Chicken Parmesan, combining the best elements of both:
- The crispy, golden crust from Milanese-style cooking
- The cheesy topping from classic Chicken Parmesan
Longhorn Steakhouse refined the dish, adding their signature seasonings and a buttery, garlicky crust, making it a fan-favorite.
Now, with this copycat recipe, you can recreate that same restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
To make 4 servings of Longhorn Steakhouse-style Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
✔️ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
✔️ ¼ teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
✔️ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
For the Breading:
✔️ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
✔️ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
✔️ 1 cup bread crumbs 🍞 (Panko for extra crispiness!)
✔️ ½ cup all-purpose flour 🌾
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
✔️ 2 large eggs 🥚
✔️ ¼ cup milk 🥛
For Cooking:
✔️ 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Prepare the Breading Stations
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, minced garlic, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- In another shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour-egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Press the coated chicken into the Parmesan-bread crumb mixture, ensuring an even crust.
4. Pan-Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each coated chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Add Cheese & Bake
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 75°C).
6. Rest & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Enjoy with your favorite sides and sauces!
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Here are some perfect side dishes to serve with your Parmesan chicken:
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes balance the crispy chicken.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – A mix of broccoli, zucchini, and carrots for a healthy touch.
🍝 Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce – Light, buttery noodles complement the dish.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy salad with Parmesan shavings.
Recipe Variations
🔥 Spicy Version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breading for heat.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Double the mozzarella and sprinkle extra Parmesan before baking.
🍗 Air Fryer Version – Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🌱 Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.
Health Benefits of This Dish
While Parmesan-crusted chicken is indulgent, it also has nutritional benefits:
✔️ High in Protein – Chicken is a lean, muscle-building protein source.
✔️ Calcium-Rich – Parmesan and mozzarella provide calcium for strong bones.
✔️ Healthy Fats – Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats.
For a lighter version, bake instead of pan-frying and use reduced-fat cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier but may need extra cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
4. Can I freeze Parmesan-crusted chicken?
Yes! Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm.
5. What sauces pair well with this dish?
Try garlic butter sauce, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor into your home. With its crispy coating, cheesy topping, and juicy texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🍽️