Most people who have ever been to Longhorn Steakhouse will tell you that one of the best dishes is their Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Now, imagine being able to cook this delicious meal right in your kitchen! This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is not only simple but also incredibly mouth-watering. A combination of tender chicken breasts, creamy parmesan crust, and crispy breadcrumb toppings makes this an inevitable menu item at your home every weekend.
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts:
Ensure they are uniformly pounded for even cooking.
1 tablespoon olive oil:
Adds flavor and helps the chicken sear nicely.
Salt and pepper:
Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese:
Adds rich, savory flavor to the toppings and breading.
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs:
Provides a crispy texture that contrasts well with the cheesy parmesan layer.
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:
Another layer of cheesy goodness that melts into the mix.
1/2 cup ranch dressing:
Serves as the base ingredient for the creamy parmesan crust.
1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing:
Adds a tangy edge to the topping, complementing the parmesan and mozzarella.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional):
An optional garnish for a fresh, lively look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken:
Begin by sprinkling salt on both sides of your chicken breasts. Add pepper as desired. This enhances the flavor, making the chicken delicious as soon as it starts cooking.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring you achieve a nice golden surface without overcooking.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Crust
Make the Creamy Layer:
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the creamy layer on each chicken breast.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your hot, delicious meal.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Cheeses:
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor twist. - Low-Carb Option:
Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. - Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy parmesan layer for some heat. - Herb Substitutions:
Fresh basil or thyme can be used instead of parsley for garnish, adding a different herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with roasted vegetables, a crunchy Caesar salad, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For a lighter option, pair it with mixed greens drizzled with balsamic glaze. Complement the dish with your favorite white wine to enhance the cheesy and rich flavors.
Conclusion
Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home is a delightful experience. This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe convinces home cooks that they can achieve the same deliciousness at home with ease. The dish is not only fantastic in taste but also impresses everyone, making it seem as though it was prepared by a master chef. Despite being a culinary masterpiece, it requires minimal effort and is perfect for any dinner party. Treat your family and guests to this mouth-watering dish, and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking from scratch!
How To Cook Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken At Home
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked through.
- Make the Parmesan Crust: In a bowl, mix ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Prepare the Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in another bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the creamy layer on each chicken breast.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.