Longhorn Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan-Crusted Chicken is a beloved dish renowned for its rich flavor, crispy texture, and satisfying combination of tender chicken, tangy Parmesan cheese, and a savory breadcrumb crust. Whether you’ve tasted it at Longhorn Steakhouse or are preparing it at home, this dish’s indulgent nature makes it a perfect treat for special occasions or a hearty dinner. Here’s everything you need to know to recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home, from preparation techniques to healthier alternatives.
Equipment
- Baking dish or lined baking sheet
- Skillet (for searing chicken)
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls (for preparing crust)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F)
- Spatula or spoon (for spreading the crust)
- Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
- Parchment paper or foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
Ingredients
- - **For the Chicken:**
- - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - 1 tsp garlic powder
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - 2 tbsp olive oil for greasing and searing
- - **For the Parmesan Crust:**
- - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 tsp garlic butter melted
- - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- - 1 tsp dried rosemary optional
- **Optional Healthier Alternatives:**
- - Low-fat Parmesan cheese
- - Almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
- - Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
Instructions
- **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- **Create the Crust:**
- In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic butter, fresh parsley, and rosemary (if using). Stir until well-mixed and set aside.
- **Sear the Chicken:**
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This step helps lock in the chicken's juices.
- **Assemble and Bake:**
- Place the seared chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Spoon the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each breast, pressing down lightly to ensure the crust adheres.
- **Bake the Chicken:**
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a golden-brown finish, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
- **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
- **Healthy Variations:** Replace full-fat ingredients with lighter alternatives such as low-fat Parmesan and turkey bacon, or use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy topping.
- **For Extra Crunch:** Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better texture and flavor, and ensure your breadcrumbs are panko for maximum crispiness. **Serving Suggestions:**
Pair with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a light quinoa salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a Caesar salad also complement the richness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken beautifully.
- **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy topping.
- **For Extra Crunch:** Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better texture and flavor, and ensure your breadcrumbs are panko for maximum crispiness. **Serving Suggestions:**
Pair with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a light quinoa salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a Caesar salad also complement the richness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken beautifully.