Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Cheesy and Savory Delight

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a restaurant-style dish you can now easily make at home! This dish features crispy, golden-breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. With a crispy parmesan crust and a juicy, tender chicken center, this meal offers a delicious blend of flavors—perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion. Pair it with a side of pasta, a green salad, or even garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Let’s break down why this chicken dish is such a hit and how you can recreate it in your kitchen for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This dish offers the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crispy, cheesy coating made from Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken a delightful crunch. Inside, the chicken remains tender and juicy, while the marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese provide rich, savory notes. Each bite delivers the ideal balance of flavors: cheesy, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the marinara.

The best part? This recipe is simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow your guests. It’s a great option when you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless)

This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are the perfect base for breading and baking. They cook up tender and juicy when prepared correctly.

• Tip: To ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and makes for a more attractive presentation.

2. All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

Flour is the first step in the breading process. It helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken and creates a smooth surface for the breadcrumbs to adhere to.

3. Eggs (2 large)

Beaten eggs serve as the binding agent that helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken breasts.

• Tip: Make sure to beat the eggs well to avoid any streaks of egg white when coating the chicken.

4. Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated)

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor to the breading. It also helps the coating crisp up beautifully when fried and baked.

5. Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup)

Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them the perfect choice for this dish. They help create the signature crunch that makes this Parmesan chicken so irresistible.

• Tip: You can make your own panko breadcrumbs by toasting some day-old bread and pulsing it in a food processor.

6. Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon) & Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon)

These spices add extra depth of flavor to the breading, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

7. Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon) & Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)

These Italian herbs give the chicken a classic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.

8. Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors in the breading, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

9. Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

Olive oil is used to pan-fry the breaded chicken, giving it a nice golden-brown crust before it goes into the oven.

10. Marinara Sauce (1 cup)

Marinara sauce adds a delicious tomato base to the dish. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own for an extra homemade touch.

11. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)

Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly over the marinara-topped chicken, creating a bubbly, cheesy layer that’s hard to resist.

• Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, you can mix in some shredded Parmesan or use a mozzarella blend that includes provolone or Asiago cheese.

12. Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow dishes for breading the chicken:

• In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
• In the second dish, beat 2 large eggs until smooth.
• In the third dish, combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken breast and first coat it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing it onto the chicken so that it adheres well.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. At this stage, the chicken will not be fully cooked, but it will finish cooking in the oven.

• Tip: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, then top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken!

Serving Suggestions

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your dish:

1. Pasta

Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti or penne pasta, tossing the noodles with extra marinara sauce for a classic Italian-style meal.

2. Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Balance out the richness of the dish with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. The crisp-tender veggies provide a fresh, healthy accompaniment.

4. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

5. Mashed Potatoes

For a comforting meal, serve the Parmesan chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The cheesy chicken and buttery potatoes are a match made in heaven.

Customizing the Recipe

This Parmesan Chicken recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for personalizing the dish:

1. Swap the Cheese

While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and provolone for a more complex flavor.

2. Add a Twist of Flavor

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Or, mix some lemon zest into the breadcrumbs for a fresh, citrusy twist.

3. Try a Different Protein

If you’re looking for something different, you can make this dish with pork chops or even eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.

4. Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, cheesy chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal. Your taste buds will thank you!