Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of their most popular dishes, and it’s no surprise why. This mouthwatering recipe features juicy, grilled chicken breasts topped with a layer of creamy ranch dressing and a crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust. The combination of tender chicken, savory Parmesan, and rich seasonings makes this dish irresistible, and now you can recreate it right at home! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a casual family dinner, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe will be a hit.

What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a grilled chicken dish topped with a creamy ranch sauce and a crispy Parmesan and provolone cheese crust. The chicken is seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection, while the topping provides a rich, cheesy layer that adds depth of flavor and texture. The dish is often served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a side salad.

Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious copycat recipe:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 6-8 oz each.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For grilling the chicken.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: For a bright, zesty flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory note.
1 teaspoon onion powder: For mild sweetness.
1 teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a slight smoky flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Ranch Parmesan Sauce:

½ cup ranch dressing: You can use store-bought or homemade.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a rich, savory flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds extra depth to the sauce.

For the Parmesan Crust Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy richness.
½ cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds flavor.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps bind the topping and adds flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (optional): For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Cheese Substitutes: Swap provolone for mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Mayonnaise Instead of Ranch: If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can substitute with mayonnaise and season it with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan crust for a little heat.
Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish for extra nutrition and color.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Longhorn Steakhouse-style Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Season the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure even cooking. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can marinate it for up to 4 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F–400°F). You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven if you don’t have a grill.
Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ranch Parmesan Sauce

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside. This sauce will be spread over the grilled chicken before adding the topping.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust Topping

Mix the Topping: In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a crumbly, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Broil the Chicken with Topping

Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to broil.
Assemble the Chicken: Place the grilled chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the ranch-Parmesan sauce over each chicken breast, then top with the breadcrumb-Parmesan-provolone mixture.
Broil: Broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden and crispy. Be sure to watch carefully, as broilers can burn food quickly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

How to Cook Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Season the chicken with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate.

Step 2: Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Step 3: Mix the ranch dressing, Parmesan, and garlic powder to make the ranch Parmesan sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the topping by combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, provolone, and melted butter.

Step 5: Broil the chicken with the sauce and topping until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure juiciness without overcooking.
Not Pounding the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, they won’t cook evenly. Pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
Burning the Topping: When broiling the chicken, keep a close eye on it as broilers can burn food quickly. You want the topping to be golden and crispy, not burned.
Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve with Mashed Potatoes: Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
With a Salad: Serve the chicken alongside a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a lighter meal.
Over Pasta: This dish also pairs well with pasta. You can serve it over fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
With Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make great sides for this dish.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Family-Style Platter: Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a large platter with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.
Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast individually with sides like pasta or a salad. Drizzle any extra ranch sauce over the top for added flavor.
Over Pasta: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of pasta with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal.

Presentation Ideas for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Rustic Serving: Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board with a side of mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Elegant Plates: Serve the chicken on a white plate with colorful sides like roasted carrots or a vibrant salad for an upscale, restaurant-style look.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of arugula or mixed greens, topped with a squeeze of lemon.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and give a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the topping ahead of time. Just store everything in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill and broil.
Add Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs over the chicken just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?
A: Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may need a little more time to cook, but they will be just as delicious.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispiness of the Parmesan topping.

Q: Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe is a delicious and impressive dish that’s easy to make at home. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and a crispy Parmesan and provolone crust makes this a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen!