Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn: Recipe, Tips, and Delicious Variations

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn – just the name conjures up images of crispy, golden-brown perfection, doesn’t it? Forget boring weeknight dinners; this recipe is about to become your new go-to for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. I remember the first time I tasted a similar dish at Longhorn Steakhouse; the explosion of flavors and textures was simply unforgettable, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.

While the exact origins of breaded and crusted chicken are somewhat debated, the concept of coating meat in flavorful crumbs and baking or frying it has been around for centuries, evolving across different cultures. Think of the Italian classic, Chicken Parmesan, or the German Schnitzel – all variations on the same delicious theme. What sets this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn recipe apart is the specific blend of seasonings and the generous coating of Parmesan cheese that creates an incredibly savory and satisfying experience.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The crispy, cheesy crust gives way to tender, juicy chicken, creating a delightful contrast in textures. The flavor profile is a perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly tangy, making it incredibly addictive. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt (taste and adjust after mixing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
• Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor:
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (mixed into the parmesan mixture)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (mixed into the parmesan mixture)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

Preparing the Parmesan Crust:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook through without burning the parmesan crust.
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze!
3. Combine the crust ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This mixture is the key to that delicious, crispy crust.
4. Taste and adjust: Now’s the time to taste the parmesan mixture. Add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if you think it needs it. Remember, you’re building flavor here!
5. Optional flavor boost: If you’re using any of the optional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or red pepper flakes, gently fold them into the parmesan mixture now.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the chicken breasts (optional): If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook more evenly. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. This is important because it helps the parmesan crust adhere better.
3. Coat the chicken: Generously spread the parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to cover the entire surface. You want a nice, thick layer of that cheesy goodness!
4. Place on the baking sheet: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Optional mozzarella topping: If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the parmesan-crusted chicken breasts.

Baking the Chicken:

1. Bake in the preheated oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
2. Broil for extra browning (optional): If you want a more golden-brown crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
3. Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Pan-Searing Method (Alternative to Baking):

1. Prepare the chicken as described above: Follow the steps for preparing the parmesan crust and coating the chicken breasts.
2. Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
3. Sear the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet, parmesan-crust side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and cook: Gently flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional: Finish in the oven: If the crust is browning too quickly but the chicken isn’t cooked through, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) and bake for the last 5-10 minutes.
6. Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the Parmesan-crusted chicken with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the dish.
3. Side dishes: This chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as:
   • Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, carrots)
   • Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
   • Rice or quinoa
   • Pasta with marinara sauce
   • A simple green salad
4. Make it a meal: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a light tomato sauce.
5. Leftovers: Leftover Parmesan-crusted chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s also delicious cold in sandwiches or salads.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese: The flavor of the Parmesan cheese is crucial to the success of this dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the parmesan mixture to your taste. Add more garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika if you like.
• Get creative with the toppings: Experiment with different toppings, such as sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or mozzarella cheese.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the parmesan mixture and coat the chicken breasts ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or sear them.
• Prevent sticking: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet or skillet, make sure to grease it well or use parchment paper.
• Even cooking: Ensure even cooking by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Crispy crust: For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
• Resting time: Don’t skip the resting time! Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps to keep it moist and tender.

Variations:

• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture for a little heat.
• Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano) to the parmesan mixture.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Increase the amount of garlic powder to 2 teaspoons for a more intense garlic flavor.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets: Use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time.
• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan crust is golden brown.

Conclusion:

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, without the hefty price tag or the need to even put on shoes! The crispy, golden-brown Parmesan crust is unbelievably flavorful, offering a delightful textural contrast to the juicy, tender chicken underneath. It’s a symphony of savory goodness that will have your family begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But the real magic lies in its simplicity. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but short on time. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!

Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I highly recommend pairing it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic and comforting meal. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette for a lighter, healthier option. For a more indulgent experience, try serving it with a side of creamy Alfredo pasta or a decadent mac and cheese. The possibilities are truly endless!

And speaking of versatility, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make this recipe your own. Want to add a little kick? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the Parmesan mixture for a touch of heat. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to substitute some of the Parmesan with Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile. You could even add some chopped herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, to the crust for an extra burst of freshness. Get creative and have fun with it!

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!