Juicy, tender chicken covered in a layer of rich, creamy ranch sauce and topped with a golden Parmesan crumb—sounds irresistible, doesn’t it?
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavor-packed fan favorite for a reason. Now imagine bringing that restaurant-quality masterpiece to your own dining table.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe will show you how to make this delicious dish step by step.
Be warned, though—one bite of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken may have your friends and family insisting it’s better than the original!
What Is Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Why Is It So Delicious?
At its heart, Parmesan-crusted chicken is simple comfort food elevated to gourmet status. It all starts with a juicy grilled chicken breast, layered with creamy ranch dressing and melted Parmesan cheese, finished with crunchy, golden breadcrumbs.
What makes it so special? It’s the contrast of textures. The creamy richness of the topping against the crispy Parmesan crust creates a bite that is both hearty and indulgent.
Pair this with the savory, perfectly seasoned chicken, and you’ve got a dish that’s pure magic from the first forkful to the last.
Ingredients Needed for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Before you roll up your sleeves and step into the kitchen, make sure you’ve got all the necessary ingredients on hand. Gather these to start:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Crispy Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
Doesn’t this ingredient lineup already have your taste buds tingling? Trust us—it tastes even better than it sounds.
Nutritional Information for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Want to know the nutrition? This dish is a treat but can fit into a balanced diet if you enjoy it in moderation. Here’s an estimate for one chicken breast with toppings:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | <1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
Equipment Needed
You won’t need any fancy gadgets to whip up this dish, but a few kitchen staples will come in handy:
- A grill pan or skillet
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Tongs for flipping chicken
Now that your tools and ingredients are ready, it’s time for the fun part—cooking!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Now that you’ve got all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these easy steps for a flawless Parmesan Crusted Chicken every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to use. While it heats up, dry your chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. If the chicken is very thick, you can cut it in half or gently flatten it to cook evenly.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations
Set up a simple station for coating the chicken using three bowls. In the first bowl, put some flour with a little salt and pepper. In the second bowl, add beaten eggs to help the coating stick. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the chicken a crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour and shake off any extra. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs so it’s fully covered. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix until it’s coated all over. This makes a tasty, crispy crust.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil so the chicken doesn’t stick. When the oil looks hot, carefully place the chicken breasts on the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy. You don’t need to fully cook them yet since they’ll finish in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts into an oven-safe baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked while maintaining its crispy, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta for a tasty meal. Enjoy this cheesy, crispy dish.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1 cup ranch dressing homemade or store-bought
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Crispy Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to use. While it heats up, dry your chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. If the chicken is very thick, you can cut it in half or gently flatten it to cook evenly.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations
- Set up a simple station for coating the chicken using three bowls. In the first bowl, put some flour with a little salt and pepper. In the second bowl, add beaten eggs to help the coating stick. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the chicken a crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour and shake off any extra. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs so it’s fully covered. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix until it’s coated all over. This makes a tasty, crispy crust.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil so the chicken doesn’t stick. When the oil looks hot, carefully place the chicken breasts on the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy. You don’t need to fully cook them yet since they’ll finish in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts into an oven-safe baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked while maintaining its crispy, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- After baking, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta for a tasty meal. Enjoy this cheesy, crispy dish.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Sure, it’s incredible on its own, but why stop there? Here are a few creative ways to pair and serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Chicken Sandwich Delight: Slice the Parmesan Crusted Chicken and layer it in a sandwich roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty garlic aioli for a gourmet twist.
- Pasta Perfection: Serve the chicken over a bed of creamy fettuccine Alfredo or marinara spaghetti for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Crispy Salad Topping: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and use it as a savory, crispy topping for a fresh Caesar or Mediterranean-style salad.
- Wrap It Up: Roll the chicken into a tortilla with avocado, spinach, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a quick and tasty wrap.
- Tasty Appetizer: Cut into smaller strips and serve with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard sauces for a crowd-pleasing finger food at your next gathering.
- Kid-Friendly Pizza: Slice the chicken and add it as a topping on your favorite pizza crust, along with marinara sauce, cheese, and veggies.
- Elegant Entrée: Present the chicken alongside a creamy risotto or roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a sophisticated dinner option.
Storage Suggestions
Made more chicken than you can eat? No problem! Here’s how to store it:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the topping crispy. Don’t microwave—it’ll make the topping soft.
- To freeze, store the chicken (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Add fresh topping when reheating.
Tips for Making the Perfect Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
I know what you’re thinking—there’s no way I can make this dish as good as the restaurants do. But with these simple tips, you’ll have a perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken every time:
- Get creative with seasonings: Want to add some spice or herb flavors? Add your favorite mix of dried herbs and spices to the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Shredded store-bought cheese works in a pinch, but using freshly grated Parmesan will give your chicken a more authentic and flavorful crust.
- Prep ahead: Make the coating mixture and slice the chicken ahead of time for faster assembly when it’s time to cook.
- Try different proteins: Don’t feel limited to chicken breasts—try pork chops, fish fillets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to have enough space between chicken pieces when searing them. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Cooking chicken perfectly might feel tricky, but with some simple steps, it can be fun and easy. Follow these tips to get juicy, tasty chicken every time. Your taste buds will love it, and you’ll feel great in the kitchen.
Try out different flavors, proteins, and ways of cooking to make the recipe your own. Remember, cooking is about having fun and being creative, not just about getting everything perfect. Now it’s time to follow these steps and enjoy a delicious meal!
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken! It’s a convenient option for saving time. Just make sure to properly reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure! Just swap out ingredients like breadcrumbs or soy sauce for gluten-free versions. Lots of stores have gluten-free options to choose from.
What sides go well with this dish?
Popular sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even fluffy rice. These pairings complement the dish and add balance to your meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can get the dish ready early by marinating the chicken or chopping the ingredients. Keep everything in a sealed container in the fridge and cook when you’re ready. It’s a simple way to save time on busy days!
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe is versatile and works well with other proteins like turkey, tofu, or fish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is properly cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken—if it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is perfectly cooked! If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the meat and check that the juices run clear.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Use them to make chicken salads, wraps, or even add them to soups or pasta dishes. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before eating!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Of course! If you like it spicy, add extra chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. For milder tastes, omit the spicy ingredients or replace them with more herbs for flavor without heat.
