Recreate the famous Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow guide. This restaurant-style chicken dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, flavorful Parmesan crust that’s golden brown and absolutely irresistible. If you’ve ever enjoyed this popular entrée at LongHorn Steakhouse and wished you could make it at home, you’re in luck! Our copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of the original, making it perfect for a special family dinner or entertaining guests.
The Perfect Baked Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal. The combination of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs creates a crust that’s crispy on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this dish so popular at LongHorn Steakhouse.
Why This Crispy Chicken Recipe Works
What makes this chicken with Parmesan crust so special is the technique. The chicken is first seared to lock in moisture before being topped with the special Parmesan mixture and finished in the oven. This two-step cooking process ensures perfect doneness and that signature crispy topping every time.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients for Copycat Longhorn Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
Equipment Needed
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant-read thermometer
- Baking sheet (if not using an oven-safe skillet)
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pounding to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This crucial preparation step ensures your chicken will cook evenly throughout, preventing the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker sections are fully cooked.
Once you’ve achieved an even thickness, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This combination of seasonings forms the flavor foundation of your Longhorn-inspired chicken, giving it that authentic restaurant taste.
Pro Tip: Bringing the chicken to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking will help it cook more evenly. Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator tends to cook unevenly, potentially resulting in overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Crust Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven. This temperature will ensure your chicken gets that perfect golden crust while remaining juicy inside.
While the oven heats up, prepare the signature Parmesan crust that gives this Longhorn-inspired dish its irresistible flavor and texture:
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The texture should be consistent throughout, with no clumps of spices or cheese.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan has a more robust flavor and melts better during baking, creating that restaurant-quality crust you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Prepare the Moisture Mixture
Now it’s time to create the secret sauce that gives Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken its signature flavor and helps the crust adhere perfectly to the chicken.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, ranch dressing, and buttermilk until well combined. This mixture serves two important purposes: it provides the moisture that helps the Parmesan crust stick to the chicken, and it infuses the dish with that rich, tangy flavor that makes this recipe absolutely irresistible.
Pro Tip: Make sure the butter is just melted but not hot, as you don’t want it to cook the ranch dressing. Let it cool slightly if needed. The ideal consistency should be smooth and uniform, with all ingredients fully incorporated.
This moisture mixture is what separates restaurant-quality results from ordinary home cooking. The combination of butter’s richness, ranch dressing’s herbaceous tang, and buttermilk’s subtle acidity creates a flavor foundation that will make your chicken exceptional.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Now comes the moment that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly.
Carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step not only creates a flavorful foundation but also helps seal in the juices, ensuring your chicken remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to constantly move the chicken around while it’s searing. Let it sit undisturbed to develop that restaurant-worthy crust before flipping. If you flip too early or too frequently, you’ll interfere with the caramelization that brings so much flavor.
You’ll notice the chicken starting to turn opaque around the edges as it cooks. This is your signal that it’s almost ready to flip to the other side. Use tongs to carefully turn each piece, and admire that gorgeous color you’ve achieved!
Step 5: Apply the Butter-Ranch Mixture
Now that your chicken has developed a beautiful golden crust, it’s time to add that signature Longhorn flavor.
- Turn off the heat completely to prevent burning the delicate mixture you’re about to apply.
- Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously brush the butter-ranch mixture over the top of each chicken breast.
- Make sure to coat each piece evenly, paying special attention to the edges to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
Pro Tip: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the butter-ranch mixture in a separate bowl. This can be drizzled over the finished chicken just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and that authentic restaurant presentation.
Step 6: Apply the Parmesan Crust Mixture
With your chicken breasts prepped and coated with the butter-ranch layer, it’s time to apply the star of this dish—the Parmesan crust mixture.
Here’s how to create that perfect restaurant-style crust:
- Take each chicken breast and carefully press a generous amount of the Parmesan mixture onto the top surface
- Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to pack the mixture down firmly onto the butter-ranch layer
- Make sure the entire top surface is completely covered with a thick layer of the crust mixture
- For extra crispiness, add a bit more topping than you think is necessary—some will naturally fall off during cooking
Pro Tip: Really press the mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it stays in place during baking. The butter-ranch layer acts as a “glue” to help the crust adhere, but proper pressure when applying the topping will make a significant difference in the final presentation and texture of your dish.
The goal is to create a thick, substantial crust that will become golden and crispy in the oven while keeping the chicken underneath moist and tender—just like you’d experience at Longhorn Steakhouse.
Step 7: Oven Baking
With your chicken sizzling and the Parmesan crust beginning to form, it’s time for the final cooking stage:
- Carefully transfer the entire oven-safe skillet to your preheated oven
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Watch for the Parmesan crust to turn a beautiful golden brown with a crispy texture
Pro Tip: If you notice the crust browning too quickly while the chicken isn’t yet fully cooked, simply cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This will protect your perfect crust while allowing the chicken to finish cooking thoroughly.
This oven-finishing technique is what gives restaurant-quality chicken that perfect combination of juicy interior and crispy exterior. The direct heat from all sides ensures even cooking and helps the cheese develop that signature Longhorn golden crust.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken reaches that perfect golden-brown color and the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C), remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now comes an essential but often overlooked step: let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This resting period isn’t just idle time—it’s actually crucial for the final quality of your dish. As the chicken rests, the juices that were driven toward the center of the meat during cooking have time to redistribute throughout the cutlets, resulting in chicken that’s moist and succulent from edge to edge.
While the chicken is resting, finely chop some fresh parsley. Just before serving, sprinkle the bright green herbs over the golden-crusted chicken for a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor that complements the rich, savory Parmesan crust.
👨🍳 Pro Tip: Place a lemon wedge on each plate alongside the chicken. A gentle squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, acidic component that cuts through the richness of the Parmesan crust and ranch marinade, creating a perfectly balanced bite that rivals the restaurant experience.
Additional Tips for Perfect Crusted Chicken
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
Recipe Variations
Herb Variation: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the crust mixture for a fresh twist.
Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper and add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Try mixing the Parmesan with Romano or Asiago cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
This restaurant-style chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Wild rice pilaf
- Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
This easy chicken dinner is high in protein while keeping carbohydrates relatively low, making it a balanced choice for most diets. For a lighter version, you can use light butter and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Why This Chicken Dinner Idea Is Perfect
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests but straightforward enough to make on a busy evening. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that both adults and children will enjoy.
Like our other popular recipes such as Alice Springs Chicken and Stuffed Poblano Peppers, this Parmesan crusted chicken brings restaurant quality to your home kitchen without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
