Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers all the indulgent flavors you crave from the restaurant favorite, right in your own kitchen. Imagine perfectly juicy chicken breasts, kissed with a golden cheese crust that’s crisp at the edges and lusciously melty at the center. Salty Parmesan, creamy provolone, and buttery Panko join together for a bite that’s just as impressive on a weeknight as it is at a dinner party. Trust me, after making this just once, you’ll have it memorized and find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is how each ingredient pulls its weight—nothing is extra, and every detail matters. You’ll recognize all of these items from your local grocery store, yet together, they create an irresistibly flavorful combination you won’t soon forget.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless, and choose pieces similar in size so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan is absolute magic for the crispy, nutty, salty crust.
- Provolone Cheese: Those creamy slices melt beautifully, bringing a luscious layer to every mouthful.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the topping its irresistible crunch—don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs!
- Melted Butter: Butter adds rich flavor and helps bind the crispy topping together.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch amps up the savory depth without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
- Salt and Pepper: Classic but essential; season generously for best results.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your baking dish gets every bit as hot as your skillet, so the chicken finishes baking evenly. Give the dish a little greasing or line it with foil for super easy cleanup—bonus points for making this meal a breeze from start to finish!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear each piece for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re gorgeously golden. This step locks in juiciness and creates that rich, savory foundation that makes Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken so mouthwatering.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Transfer your seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and slide them into the hot oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F (74°C). This means your chicken is perfectly cooked and deliciously tender.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan-Panko Topping
While the chicken bakes, grab a small bowl and mix the shredded Parmesan, Panko, melted butter, and garlic powder. The butter pulls everything together, and the garlic wakes up all the cozy, cheesy flavors. Stir until everything is thoroughly coated and ready for topping glory.
Step 5: Layer on Provolone and Crunchy Topping
Once your chicken is out of the oven, immediately lay slices of provolone over each breast. Top with a generous mound of the crunchy, cheesy mix you just made. The heat from the chicken will start to melt everything, setting the stage for a stunning broil.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Flip your oven to the broil setting and pop the dish back in for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eagle eye out! As soon as the cheese bubbles and the topping turns beautifully golden and crisp, it’s ready to devour. This step is what makes Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken so irresistibly restaurant-worthy at home.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Pull your creation from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and light, herby flavor. Serve hot, and prepare yourself for compliments!
How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a subtle earthy freshness that balances the richness of the cheeses. For an extra flourish, a dusting of shaved Parmesan or even a lemon wedge on the side makes each serving look and taste even more special.
Side Dishes
To round out your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic green beans, or roasted asparagus. If you’re feeling bold, a simple Caesar salad or some cheesy risotto will turn your meal into a true steakhouse-style experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, slice the chicken into strips and layer them on a platter with extra Parmesan and parsley. Or, build indulgent chicken sandwiches on toasted ciabatta rolls with arugula and a touch of garlic aioli. However you present it, there’s no wrong way to showcase this star dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored this way, your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making easy lunches or quick dinners a breeze!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, let the chicken cool completely after baking and topping. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, pop into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to a month. For best texture, freeze before broiling, then add the topping fresh before reheating and finishing in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the topping back up. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great swap if you enjoy richer, juicier meat. Just adjust the baking time so they reach 165°F, as they might cook a little faster than the breasts.
What’s the secret to getting the topping super crispy?
It’s all about the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter combo. Broiling at the end gives the topping an extra crispy, golden finish—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can! Sear and bake the chicken in advance, then add the cheeses and Panko topping right before broiling and serving. This way, you get all the crisp and melty goodness without last-minute stress.
Is grated Parmesan okay if I don’t have freshly shredded?
Freshly shredded Parmesan will always melt and brown better, but pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch. Avoid the shelf-stable powdered variety; it doesn’t melt as nicely and can affect the texture.
Does Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken work with different cheeses?
Feel free to experiment! Try mozzarella for a super-stretchy finish or add a little sharp cheddar for bite. Just keep the overall cheese quantities the same for the perfect melt and crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say, once you make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a restaurant trip to enjoy it. The flavors, textures, and pure comfort are just unbeatable. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it disappears from everyone’s plates!
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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe recreates the popular restaurant dish with a flavorful Parmesan and Provolone cheese crust. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy topping and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced Provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish or line with foil.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer seared chicken to the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Topping: Mix Parmesan, Panko, melted butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Add Topping: Once chicken is cooked, layer Provolone cheese over each breast and top with the Parmesan-Panko mixture.
- Broil: Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Copycat Longhorn, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Main Dish, Copycat Recipe
