This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is inspired by a beloved classic from Longhorn Steakhouse, capturing the perfect blend of crispy coating and gooey, cheesy goodness. Many fans love the balance of flavors—savory and herby breading with a melty, cheesy topping that takes comfort food to the next level. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels just a little fancy, bringing the flavors of a restaurant favorite to your own table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Restaurant Flavor at Home: Save time and money by recreating this popular dish at home.
- Perfectly Crispy: The combination of Parmesan and bread crumbs delivers a crispy coating.
- Cheesy Delight: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan on top make this irresistibly good.
- Versatile: Easy enough for a weekday, but impressive for special occasions!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, similar in size for even cooking
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated and divided for breading and topping
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, either plain or Italian seasoned
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup for dredging
- Egg Mixture: 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup milk
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, or mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Salt and Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for pan-frying
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare Breading Stations:
- Station 1: Combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Station 2: In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Station 3: Place flour in a third dish.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip in the egg mixture, and coat with the Parmesan-bread crumb mixture.
- Pan-Fry for Crispiness: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Pan-fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown, forming a crispy crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Cheesy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan with mozzarella and minced garlic. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired!
Cooking Tips:
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound thicker pieces to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Double Coat for Extra Crisp: Repeat the egg dip and breading for a thicker crust.
- Watch the Heat: Don’t overheat the skillet to prevent burning the coating during pan-frying.
Helpful Tips:
- Choose Fresh Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-grated varieties.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you hit the perfect temperature without overcooking.
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven to keep the coating crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze after breading but before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 450 per serving
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a light side salad work beautifully!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the flour and bread crumbs for gluten-free versions to enjoy this recipe safely.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other cheesy creations:
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken combines all the delicious, cheesy flavors of the original with an easy home-cooking twist. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a meal to impress, this dish offers rich flavors, a golden crust, and melty goodness in every bite. Enjoy this restaurant-inspired favorite!
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Longhorn-Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is inspired by a beloved classic from Longhorn Steakhouse, capturing the perfect blend of crispy coating and gooey, cheesy goodness. Many fans love the balance of flavors—savory and herby breading with a melty, cheesy topping that takes comfort food to the next level. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels just a little fancy, bringing the flavors of a restaurant favorite to your own table!
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, similar in size for even cooking
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated and divided for breading and topping
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, either plain or Italian seasoned
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup for dredging
- Egg Mixture: 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup milk
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, or mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary
- Salt and Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for pan-frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare Breading Stations:
- Station 1: Combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Station 2: In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Station 3: Place flour in a third dish.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip in the egg mixture, and coat with the Parmesan-bread crumb mixture.
- Pan-Fry for Crispiness: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Pan-fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown, forming a crispy crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Cheesy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan with mozzarella and minced garlic. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired!
Notes
- Choose Fresh Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-grated varieties.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you hit the perfect temperature without overcooking.