There’s nothing like the savory, cheesy perfection of Parmesan Crusted Chicken, especially when it’s inspired by the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse dish. The juicy, tender chicken topped with a golden crust of creamy Parmesan sauce and melted cheese is a true crowd-pleaser.

I first fell in love with this dish on a rare night out, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few trials, I nailed the recipe, and now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. Let me show you how easy it is to bring this restaurant-quality meal to your table.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. It’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

First, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts are topped with a rich, cheesy sauce and a crisp Parmesan crust, making every bite unforgettable.

It’s surprisingly quick to make! With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour—ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight.

You’ll also appreciate how budget-friendly it is. Forget pricey takeout—this dish costs a fraction of the price to make at home, and the results are just as satisfying.

Best of all, it’s versatile. Pair it with mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will adore. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking and tenderness.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add a crunchy texture to the crust. You can use store-bought or make your own with toasted bread and Italian seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for the best flavor and texture. Avoid the pre-shredded kind, as it won’t melt as smoothly.
Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce. Choose your favorite brand or use a homemade version for extra flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Thinly sliced provolone melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a layer of gooey goodness.
Butter: Helps achieve that golden-brown crust when combined with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Garlic Powder and Paprika: Enhance the flavor of the chicken, giving it a savory, slightly smoky kick.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a skillet, a baking dish, and an oven-safe wire rack for best results.

How To Make This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making this dish is simpler than it looks, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—about ½ inch thick is ideal. Season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
Make the Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan until it resembles wet sand. Set this aside while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In another bowl, combine ranch dressing, more grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Spread a generous layer of this mixture over each piece of seared chicken.
Assemble and Bake: Top each chicken breast with a slice of provolone cheese, followed by the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the crust is golden and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!

This dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, and the result is worth every second.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before storing.
Freezer: Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To maintain the crust’s crispiness, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Cheese Substitutions: Try mozzarella, Gruyère, or a sharp cheddar for a twist on the classic flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Herb Lovers: Mix fresh chopped parsley or thyme into the Parmesan crust for added flavor.

Experiment with these ideas to create your perfect version of this dish. Trust me, it’s hard to go wrong!

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a showstopper, whether you're serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests. Its tender, juicy chicken and rich, cheesy topping will have everyone coming back for seconds—so don’t be surprised if it becomes a new household favorite!