If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of the most crave-worthy items on the menu. Tender grilled chicken topped with a creamy, crispy Parmesan crust that’s just bursting with savory flavor—it’s pure comfort food at its best.
The great news? You don’t have to wait for your next night out to enjoy it. With this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, you can recreate that restaurant magic right at home in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a date night meal, or even impressing guests, this dish is surprisingly easy but feels so special.
Table of Contents
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Crust Topping:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Provolone cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Optional Extras:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Want to make the best homemade ranch dressing to use in this recipe? Don’t miss this easy ranch dressing recipe you can whip up in 5 minutes.
🔥 How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy.
Rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken for an hour if you have time—it deepens the flavor beautifully!
Need tips for perfectly juicy chicken every time? Learn from this expert guide to grilling chicken breasts without drying them out.
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium heat.
Grill or sear the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping
In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and softened butter. Spread a thin layer over each cooked chicken breast.
Mix the Parmesan, Provolone, and Panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the ranch-coated chicken.
Step 4: Broil to Perfection
Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired!
🌟 Why This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Works
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get that special night-out feel without the bill.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the cheesiness, seasoning, or crust thickness to your liking.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, crispy topping.
If you’re obsessed with restaurant-style meals, you’ll also love our copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo recipe — another fan favorite recreated for home kitchens.
🍴 Serving Suggestions for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery perfection.
- Steamed Broccoli: A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing cut through the richness.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Simple, summery, and classic.
For even more side dish inspiration, check out this ultimate list of easy side dishes to complete any meal.
🥗 Variations to Try
Want to customize your Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Here are a few fun twists:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crumbled cooked bacon under the cheese topping.
- Herb Crusted Chicken: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb crust.
For more creative chicken dinner ideas, don’t miss this roundup of easy weeknight chicken recipes guaranteed to keep dinners exciting.
🔥 Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Pound Evenly: This ensures quick, even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting well.
- Broil Carefully: Keep an eye under the broiler; it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Serve Immediately: Parmesan Crusted Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven!
Need help with broiling techniques? Learn more in this simple broiling guide to achieve that perfect cheesy crust without burning.
🧊 Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage:
Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 370°F for 4–5 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Microwave: Use only if you’re short on time—it’ll lose some crispiness.
For smart meal prep tips, explore how to store and reheat chicken dishes the right way for maximum flavor.
❓ FAQs About Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling or searing it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, then add the topping and broil.
Q: What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use Caesar dressing or even a garlic aioli for a delicious twist.
Q: How do I make it even crispier?
Use extra Panko breadcrumbs and a touch of melted butter to make the topping crunchier.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and store separately. Add the topping and broil right before serving for best texture.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, Gruyère, or even white cheddar would be amazing swaps for a different cheesy flavor.
🥄 Conclusion
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings the magic of your favorite steakhouse meal right into your kitchen—with juicy grilled chicken, a creamy ranch spread, and a golden cheesy crust that melts and crisps to absolute perfection.
Ready in about 30 minutes, made with everyday ingredients, and customizable to fit your cravings, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again for special dinners and weeknight indulgences alike.
So go ahead—channel your inner restaurant chef, fire up the broiler, and get ready for a Parmesan-crusted experience that rivals anything you’d get dining out!
If you’re hungry for more restaurant copycats, be sure to explore our best restaurant-style recipes recreated for home kitchens — you’ll never need a reservation again!
