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.