Craving the legendary Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse? This copycat version delivers that same rich, cheesy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken🍗— perfect for recreating that restaurant‑style indulgence at home.
What Is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a signature dish that expertly balances juicy, seasoned chicken breast with a rich, crispy cheese topping, making it a standout on their menu. Typically served as a 9-ounce portion (~650 calories), the dish has garnered rave reviews for its combination of flavor and texture .
At its core, the preparation begins with a skinless, boneless chicken breast that’s seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sometimes paprika, then coated lightly with canola or olive oil . The searing process locks in juices and creates a golden exterior, setting the stage for the indulgent toppings.
The hallmark of the dish lies in its creamy cheese spread and crunchy Parmesan crust. A ranch–Parmesan–provolone blend is warmed until gooey and spooned atop the cooked chicken . Next comes the breadcrumb layer: panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan and melted butter, sometimes enhanced with garlic powder or Italian seasoning. This combination is broiled to a golden brown, producing a satisfyingly crisp top layer .
This layering technique creates a dish where each bite starts with a crunchy cheese coating and ends with tender, flavorful chicken. The high sodium (≈1860 mg for the 9 oz portion) and generous fat content are offset by its high protein value—approximately 68 grams per serving .
Diners often pair this indulgent entrée with classic steakhouse sides: mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or fresh salad . Its appeal across casual lunches and dinner gatherings stems from the consistent execution of creamy richness, savory depth, and contrasting textures—qualities that have made it a favorite among Longhorn patrons .
In summary, Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers a luxurious spin on grilled chicken by layering savory cheese spreads and *buttery breadcrumb.
Want more dinner recipes, you can enjoy these Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups 🍔
Ingredients You’ll Need For Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To get that Longhorn flavor, here are your ingredient sections:
🥩 For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ~½–¾″ thickness)
- ½ cup Italian dressing (or ranch + olive oil + vinegar blend)
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt & pepper to taste
🧀 Cheese Layer
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- 6 Tbsp buttermilk ranch dressing
🍞 Crunchy Topping
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
These elements combine to deliver the signature creamy, cheesy interior followed by the crisp, savory crust Longhorn diners love.
Step‑by‑Step Preparation Of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Follow these steps to achieve that restaurant-quality version of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together: Italian dressing (or olive oil + ranch), Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, salt & pepper.
- Add pounded chicken breasts (~½–¾″ thick), toss to coat, refrigerate 30 minutes to overnight. This infuses flavor and ensures juiciness.
- Sear on stovetop
- Heat 2–3 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil in a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high.
- Drain excess marinade, then sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until golden with internal temp ~165 °F.
- Transfer the chicken to a clean, oven‑safe dish or skillet; tent with foil and set aside .
- Prepare the cheese spread
- In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan, diced provolone, and ranch dressing.
- Microwave in 15–30 second bursts, stirring, until melted and smooth.
- Spoon the warm cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast .
- Make the crunchy panko topping
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder (or garlic salt), panko breadcrumbs, and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Broil to finish
- Position oven rack ~6″ from heat; preheat broiler on high (≈450 °F).
- Sprinkle panko topping over the cheese layer.
- Broil 2–5 minutes, watching closely until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately
- Let rest 2–3 minutes, then plate and serve.
- Ideal pairings include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
These steps capture the essence of the original dish: well‑marinated, seared, layered with a creamy cheese base, and finished with a buttery, crunchy panko crust. Enjoy replicating that Longhorn-style goodness at home!
6. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To recreate that full Longhorn Steakhouse experience, pair your dish with classic sides:
- Mashed potatoes or instant‑pot baked potatoes — creamy and comforting
- Roasted or steamed veggies:
- Broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus
- Salads — crisp Caesar or garden-style freshness balances the richness
- Garlic bread or rolls — absorb the cheesy juices perfectly
Alyona’s Cooking suggests serving with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus and a simple fresh salad to lighten the plate .
The Cozy Cook highlights mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli as her go‑to accompaniments .
Takeaways:
- Choose a mix of comfort carbs + greens for both balance and indulgence.
- Consider bread, such as garlic toast or buttermilk biscuits, to mop up cheesy goodness.
7. Nutritional Profile & Health Tips
Longhorn’s original dish packs about 650 calories per serving.
The Cozy Cook’s copycat stays close (~660 cal) with:
- Carbs: ~13 g
- Protein: ~35 g
- Total fat: ~52 g (Saturated ~21 g)
For a lighter meal:
- Use Italian dressing instead of ranch-heavy marinade
- Substitute panko with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version
- Bake or grill on a rack to cut excess grease
Always:
- Trim visible fat
- Use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid additives
- Watch broil closely to prevent excessive charring
These adjustments keep the cheesy, crispy essence while helping manage fat and calories.
8. Variations & Cooking Methods
Elevate your Parmesan Crusted Chicken by exploring these flavorful variations and versatile cooking techniques:
🔄 Cheese & Flavor Twists
- Caprese-style: top baked chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil, and a balsamic glaze drizzle for Italian flair.
- Mediterranean twist: fold in Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta into the Parmesan layer for bright, tangy depth .
- Herb-lover’s variation: add finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil to the panko mixture to boost the aromatic crust .
- Extra cheesy: combine Romano or Asiago with Parmesan in the topping for richer, sharper notes.
- Lemon-pepper zing: incorporate lemon zest and cracked black pepper into the breading, then finish with a fresh squeeze of juice .
🍗 Low-Carb & Keto Options
- Use crushed pork rinds instead of panko for a keto-friendly crust—Reddit users affirm: “Pork rinds instead of panko bread crumbs gives the parmesan-crusted chicken a salty and crunchier topping” .
- Another user notes: “Pork rinds are crunchy, savory… a little bit goes a long way!” .
🔥 Cooking Method Alternatives
- Pan-sear + broil (classic): Sear in a hot skillet for caramelization, then broil the crust until golden .
- Oven-baked: Bake breast at 425°F (~15–18 min), add cheese topping, then broil for crispness .
- Grill: Cook chicken over medium-high heat (~6–7 min/side), then transfer to broiler to melt crust.
- Air fryer: Skip searing; air-fry at ~375°F for ~10 min, add topping and cook a few more minutes until golden.
✅ Tips & Troubleshooting
- Always pat chicken dry—moisture prevents crisp crust adhesion .
- Press crumb mixture firmly to help it stick during broiling .
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and crispness .
- Watch the broiler closely—crumbs can burn quickly .
With these creative variations, your Parmesan Crusted Chicken can cater to diverse tastes—from fresh Mediterranean to keto-friendly—and adapt to your kitchen setup.
9. Storage & Make‑Ahead
Planning ahead? These tips help:
- Store leftovers in airtight containers, refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350 °F for 10–15 min (avoids sogginess)
- Freezing:
- Ideal for seared-only chicken: freeze raw cooked chicken for up to 3 months
- Thaw, then top with cheese and breadcrumb; re-broil to crisp
- Reviving leftovers: Wrap loosely in foil while reheating to preserve moisture, then uncover for crisp top
These methods help maintain texture and flavor across multiple meals.
10. FAQs About Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Q: Can I make this without a broiler?
A: Yes—after searing, bake at 425 °F until heated, then crisp topping under broiler or in toaster oven.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
A: Swap panko for crushed pork rinds and use less ranch—still creamy, much lower carb.
Q: What’s the best cheese combo?
A: Parmesan + provolone + ranch is classic; swiss, mozzarella, Munster, asiago are good alternatives.
Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely—just ensure they reach 165 °F; thighs may need slightly longer cook time.
Q: How to store leftovers to keep crust crisp?
A: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in oven/air fryer uncovered—don’t microwave directly.
11. Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers an unforgettable combination of juicy, well‑seasoned chicken and a rich, crispy cheese‑breadcrumb topping—a dish that continues to win hearts both in‑house and at home. Here’s why it shines:
- Flavor & Texture Harmony
The marriage of a tender, marinated breast with a broiled mix of Parmesan, provolone, ranch, and panko creates a multi‑layered taste experience: creamy underneath, crispy and golden above. - Versatility in Preparation
Whether you choose the iconic skillet‑sear + broil route, an oven‑only bake, grill‑then‑broil, or even an air‑fryer adaptation, the result is consistently satisfying—flavorful chicken wrapped in a cheesy, crunchy shell. - Customizable to Dietary Needs
This recipe shines in its flexibility. Swap cheeses, include fresh herbs, or opt for pork‑rind crumbs to enjoy a keto‑friendly, low‑carb version—no one misses out on that satisfying crunch . - Perfect for Every Occasion
From cozy family dinners to impressing guests, this dish fits the bill. Serve it alongside comforting mashed potatoes, vibrant roasted veggies, or warm garlic bread to elevate the meal.
In essence, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers:
- Authentic steakhouse quality
- A crowd‑pleasing flavor profile
- Adaptability for home cooks of all levels
For an indulgent yet achievable weeknight meal, this copycat remains a top pick. Go ahead—replicate Longhorn’s magic at home, savor each crispy‑cheesy layer, and make it your own masterpiece.