Introduction
Longhorn Steakhouse is celebrated for its bold flavors, and their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fan favorite. This dish features tender chicken breasts topped with a savory, cheesy crust that adds texture and flavor. Recreate this iconic dish in your kitchen with this simple yet decadent recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Overview of the Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken combines perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, crispy topping made of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian spices. It’s finished under the broiler for a beautifully golden, crunchy finish. This recipe is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes, and is an ideal choice for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.
History and Origin
Longhorn Steakhouse, an American dining chain, is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes inspired by traditional steakhouse cuisine. Parmesan Crusted Chicken stands out on their menu as a chicken-based option that rivals their famous steaks. The recipe reflects classic American flavors with Italian influences, such as Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, bringing a fusion of taste and texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Parmesan Crust Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of about 160°F (it will finish cooking in the oven).
3. Prepare the Parmesan Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir the mixture well until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
4. Add the Topping
- Spoon the prepared Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet.
- For a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the Parmesan mixture.
5. Broil for Crispiness
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Turn on the broiler setting and broil on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Keep a close watch to ensure the topping becomes golden brown and crispy without burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving
Suggested Serving Portions
This recipe makes 4 servings, with each chicken breast serving as a portion.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots
- A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
Variations of the Recipe
- Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the topping mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the Parmesan mixture.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute almond flour for panko breadcrumbs to make the dish keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
Health Benefits Notes
- Protein-Rich: Chicken breasts are a lean source of high-quality protein, promoting muscle health and repair.
- Calcium and Vitamins: Parmesan cheese provides calcium, and the Italian seasoning adds a dose of antioxidants.
- Moderate Fats: By using mayonnaise and butter sparingly, the recipe balances flavor without excessive saturated fats.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through.
2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the topping?
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the topping mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the chicken fresh before serving.
4. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish before broiling if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. With its juicy chicken and irresistible cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Try this recipe today and elevate your dinner game!
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse-Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful, crispy Parmesan crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for any occasion and easy to pair with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Parmesan Crust Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil on medium-high heat, 5-6 minutes per side.
- Prepare Topping: Mix Parmesan, panko, mayonnaise, butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add Topping: Spread mixture on chicken, sprinkle mozzarella if desired.
- Broil: Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: "Parmesan crusted chicken recipe, steakhouse-style chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, crispy chicken topping