If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant-worthy chicken dish that pulls double-duty as both a family favorite and a dinner party showstopper, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will win you over at first bite. Combining juicy, well-seasoned chicken, creamy cheeses, and a golden, crunchy crust, this recipe delivers the taste and satisfaction of your favorite steakhouse but made perfectly at home. With just a handful of familiar ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how this dish turns out crisp, gooey, and bursting with flavor—no reservations required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make every bite so memorable. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: The base for our dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts offer a lean, hearty foundation that soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Essential for adding richness and helping the chicken catch that golden sear before baking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but crucial for unlocking the chicken’s natural flavors—don’t skip this seasoning step!
- Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle savory depth that complements the cheeses and breading.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and a lovely hue to the chicken, perfect for boosting both flavor and presentation.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts into a wonderfully gooey layer, lending mild and creamy notes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty, salty punch and forms the signature crust you’re craving.
- Mayonnaise: Enriches the creamy topping and helps meld all the savory ingredients together.
- Sour Cream: Provides tang and smoothness—just a touch makes a big difference in flavor balance.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the creamy layer and lifts all the other flavors for a perfectly fresh finish.
- Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: These stay extra crisp in the oven, delivering that signature golden crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: Blends with panko to ensure an even, delicious browning on top.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herby aroma and depth to the breadcrumb topping.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and fresh, herby brightness as the finishing touch.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, so it’s hot and ready as soon as your chicken is assembled. Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even thickness; this helps them cook uniformly so every part stays juicy. A little olive oil rubbed on both sides not only adds flavor but also helps the seasonings cling. Sprinkle each breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—these basics transform the chicken into something truly savory.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Searing the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side creates a caramelized, golden exterior that seals in juices and adds a layer of rich, roasted flavor. You’re not cooking them through—just aiming for a lovely color. Once done, transfer them to a baking dish, ready to layer on all the tasty toppings.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Creamy Topping
Now, create that crave-worthy creamy layer: Stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice in a small bowl. The result is tangy and smooth with a hint of brightness. Spread a generous—but not overwhelming—layer over each seared chicken breast. This not only adds moisture but also acts as a flavor anchor for the cheeses and crust to come.
Step 4: Cheese it Up
Sprinkle both provolone and Parmesan cheese over each moist, creamy-topped chicken breast. This duo melts into a stretch of cheesy goodness, sealing in moisture and adding both subtle tang and nutty flavor. Don’t skimp here: let the cheese spill just to the edges for maximum coverage and melt.
Step 5: The Crunchy Crust
Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl. The butter ensures the breading gets shatteringly crisp in the oven while the Italian herbs add fragrance. Sprinkle this generously over the cheese layer. The crust will bake up golden and crispy—the true hallmark of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled chicken uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and you’ll know it’s done when the cheese bubbles and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown. Let it rest just a couple of minutes so the juices redistribute before serving.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a shower of fresh parsley right before serving. That burst of bright green looks gorgeous against the cheesy golden topping and adds a garden-fresh flavor that keeps everything tasting light and lively.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs just as beautifully with hearty sides as with something light and crisp. A classic choice is fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up the melting cheese and juices. For balance, you can’t go wrong with lemony green beans, roasted asparagus, or a refreshing side salad. The combination creates a complete, steakhouse-style meal on your very own table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Slice your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken and fan it atop a bed of arugula tossed with roasted tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Or, plate it on toasted garlic bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s sure to impress. Individual ramekins with miniature chicken portions also make charming dinner party starters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, let it cool to room temperature first. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it’ll stay delicious for up to three days. The flavors even deepen overnight!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps lock in both moisture and flavor. They’ll keep well for about two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken again, place it on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. This brings back the crispy crust and melty cheese, almost as good as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and cook up beautifully with this recipe. Just watch cooking times, as they can be slightly shorter or longer depending on thickness.
What’s the best way to ensure a super-crispy topping?
Make sure your panko mixture is well-coated in melted butter and don’t overcrowd your baking dish. Baking uncovered ensures maximum crunch. A quick broil at the end, watched closely, also takes the crust over the top.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free panko or finely crushed gluten-free crackers for the breadcrumb topping, and confirm your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is it possible to prep Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking and store the dish, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What can I use if I don’t have provolone cheese?
Mozzarella makes a great substitute for provolone with its mild meltiness, though it’s slightly more subtle in flavor. Feel free to play with other melty cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack for your own spin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, unforgettable dinner, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings restaurant flair right to your kitchen. With simple steps and show-stopping results, it’s a dish you’ll look forward to making again and again. Give it a try and let your taste buds do a happy dance—you deserve it!
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Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cheesy goodness of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of cheeses and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Rub with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
- Prepare the topping: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Spread over the chicken, then top with cheeses.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
