Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Every time I make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it takes me back to those cozy family dinners where laughter filled our home and the smell of delicious food brought us all together. I can still picture my kids, faces lit with joy, as they eagerly waited for me to serve that golden, cheesy goodness. There’s something so comforting about making this dish; it’s not just a meal, but a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone around the table. I sincerely believe that food has a magical way of creating memories, and this chicken recipe has worked its charm on my family time and time again. I know that once you try this, you’ll feel that same warmth enveloping you.

Now, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful dish that I hold so dear!

Ingredients: To make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of our dish! Make sure they’re fresh.
• 1 tsp salt: A pinch of salt can elevate any recipe, enhancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just the right amount to give it a little kick!
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Because what dish doesn’t benefit from a touch of garlic?
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild sweetness that’s irresistible.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing): This helps to lock in moisture and creates a lovely golden crust.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional): If you love extra cheese like I do, this is a must!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This is where all that amazing flavor comes from.
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: A flavorful base that adds creaminess.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: This brings a delightful richness to the topping.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is always a lovely touch and adds a robust flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of flavors that takes it up a notch.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, throw these in!
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs: These are vital for getting that delightful crispy topping.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Butter makes everything better, doesn’t it?
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to finish it off.

One thing I always love doing is adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They infuse the chicken with an incredible aroma that’ll make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant!

Cooking Steps: Making Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is pretty straightforward, and I promise you, it’s worth the effort. Let’s break down the steps to make this scrumptious dish together!

1. Pound the Chicken: Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.

2. Season the Chicken: Now, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over both sides of the chicken. This simple seasoning is what infuses flavor right from the start.

3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown. This step creates that delicious crust we all crave.

4. Bake the Chicken: Once seared, carefully transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400°F. Bake the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Prepare the Parmesan Topping: While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up that delicious topping. In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. If you love cheesy gooeyness, mix in the shredded mozzarella as well.

6. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, the remaining grated Parmesan, and the melted butter. This is what will give your chicken that crunchy, golden topping!

7. Assemble the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and spread that luscious Parmesan topping over each piece.

8. Add the Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the crispy Panko mixture on top of the chicken, pressing it down lightly. This is where the magic happens!

9. Broil the Chicken: Pop the skillet back in the oven and switch the setting to broil. Keep an eye on it for about 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for that beautiful finishing touch.

Why I Love Making This Dish: What I truly adore about this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the blend of textures and flavors. The crispy topping mixed with the tender chicken creates a delightful experience in every bite. Plus, it’s a hit with everyone in my family—the kids, my husband, and even the grandkids! Every time I serve it, I look forward to the smiles and compliments at the dinner table.

What You’ll Need: You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe. A good skillet, a meat mallet, and your trusty oven will do the trick. Just make sure to have some measuring cups handy, as it really helps in getting those delicious flavors just right.

Step-by-Step Guide: Let’s recap the steps together. Trust me, following these will ensure you end up with heavenly Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Season both sides well.
4. Sear in a hot skillet.
5. Bake in the oven.
6. Mix up the Parmesan topping.
7. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture.
8. Spread the topping on chicken.
9. Broil until crispy.
10. Garnish and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Don’t rush the searing process; it really locks in flavors.
• Use fresh garlic if you can. It makes a noticeable difference!
• If you want to make things a little healthier, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the topping—it still tastes fantastic!

Serving Suggestions and Sides: This chicken pairs wonderfully with a myriad of sides. I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and some seasoned steamed vegetables. A nice garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette offers a refreshing touch. You can also serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices!

Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my household!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave them, but I recommend using the oven for the best results to keep that crunch!

FAQ Section:

Can I use boneless chicken? Absolutely, boneless chicken is great for this! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as it may need a bit less time to cook through.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing? If ranch isn’t your thing, you can use any creamy dressing you like, such as blue cheese or even a honey mustard dressing for a twist.

Can I prep this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and the toppings ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. When it’s time to cook, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before popping it in the oven.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They should last about 2 months.

This dish has become such a favorite in my house over the years, and I’m so excited for you to try it too! The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful, and I know your family will love it as much as mine does. Take your time with each step and savor the process—cooking should be enjoyable! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, like mine does every time! You won’t regret making this masterpiece; it’s an experience in itself. Enjoy!