If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of their most famous and irresistible dishes. This juicy, grilled chicken breast is topped with a creamy, cheesy ranch spread and a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate Longhorn’s signature Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home in just 30 minutes, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Restaurant-Quality Taste – Just like Longhorn Steakhouse!
✔️ Juicy & Flavorful – Grilled chicken with rich Parmesan topping.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for lunches or family dinners.
✔️ Customizable – Works with different cheeses, seasonings, or even air-frying.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and FAQs to make sure you nail this dish perfectly! 🍗🧀🔥

What Makes Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Special?

The two-part topping makes this dish stand out:
1️⃣ A creamy ranch-Parmesan spread that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2️⃣ A crispy Parmesan crust made with buttery panko breadcrumbs.

When combined, these layers create a rich, cheesy, and crispy topping over a tender, grilled chicken breast—making every bite absolutely delicious!

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

1. Chicken (The Juicy Base) 🍗

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound them to an even thickness for perfect cooking.

2. Parmesan Ranch Spread (The Creamy Layer) 🧀

Mayonnaise & Ranch Dressing – Adds creaminess and tangy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – A nutty, salty richness.
Garlic Powder & Black Pepper – Enhances the flavor.

3. Crispy Parmesan Crust (The Crunch Factor) 🥖🧈

Panko Breadcrumbs – For the crunchiest topping.
Melted Butter – Helps golden the crust.
More Parmesan! – Extra cheesy goodness.

4. Seasonings & Marinade (For Extra Flavor) 🌿

Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Black Pepper – Infuses the chicken with bold, smoky flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Pound & Marinate the Chicken

Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts between plastic wrap.
Pound to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
In a bowl, mix:
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ ½ tsp paprika
✅ Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Coat the chicken in the marinade & let it rest for 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill Option:

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown & cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Stovetop Option:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.

Oven Option:

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Set cooked chicken aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Ranch Spread

In a bowl, mix:
✅ ½ cup mayonnaise
✅ ¼ cup ranch dressing
✅ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✅ ½ tsp garlic powder
Stir until creamy.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Parmesan Topping

In another bowl, mix:
✅ ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
✅ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✅ 2 tbsp melted butter
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
Stir until combined.

Step 5: Assemble & Broil the Chicken

Spread a generous layer of the Parmesan ranch spread over each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the crispy Parmesan topping evenly over the top.
Broil in the oven at 450°F for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden brown & crispy.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley & extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken

✔️ Pound chicken to even thickness – Ensures even cooking.
✔️ Use freshly grated Parmesan – Melts better & has more flavor.
✔️ Let the chicken rest before slicing – Keeps it juicy.
✔️ Broil at the end – Adds the perfect crispy crust.
✔️ Use panko breadcrumbs – They give the best crunch.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

1. Spicy Parmesan Chicken 🌶️

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the ranch spread.
Drizzle with hot honey or Sriracha.

2. Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken 🍗🔥

Cook chicken in air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Add toppings & air fry for 2-3 more minutes.

3. Low-Carb & Keto Version 🥑

Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Replace ranch dressing with full-fat Greek yogurt.

4. Italian-Style Parmesan Chicken 🍅🧀

Add 1 tbsp pesto to the ranch spread.
Serve with marinara sauce & basil.

5. Extra Cheesy Version 🧀🔥

Mix in shredded mozzarella with the topping for an extra melty layer.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Classic Steakhouse Pairings

🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy & buttery.
🥦 Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus – A healthy, crunchy side.
🍞 Buttery Texas Toast – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Lighter & Healthier Options

🥗 Crispy Caesar Salad – A fresh contrast.
🍅 Caprese Salad – Bright & flavorful.
🌾 Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb & nutritious.

Pasta Pairings

🍝 Creamy Alfredo Pasta – Extra indulgence.
🍅 Penne with Marinara – A tangy complement.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work great but may need an extra 5 minutes in the oven.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. How do I reheat without drying out?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken & toppings separately, then assemble & broil just before serving.

Conclusion

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a fancy steakhouse-style meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

🔥 Try it today & enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at home! 🔥

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken – A Flavorful Copycat Recipe!

Author: Chef Emy

Print Recipe

Description

Craving that famous Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken? This copycat recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken topped with a crispy, cheesy crust—just like the restaurant favorite!

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Season & Cook the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Make the Parmesan Crust:
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan, provolone, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Prepare the Ranch Cream Sauce:
- Whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Assemble & Broil:
- Spread a thin layer of the ranch cream sauce over each cooked chicken breast.
- Top with the Parmesan crust mixture.
- Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Notes

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is just as rich, cheesy, and crispy as Longhorn’s version—but made right in your kitchen!

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