How to Make Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance between a crunchy crust and tender, juicy chicken, then you are going to love learning how to make Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home. This dish captures the magic of Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan chicken—crispy on the outside, incredibly flavorful on the inside, and packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or showing off your kitchen skills, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Crunchy: Achieve the perfect crispy coating that stays crunchy even after baking or frying.
• Juicy and Tender: The chicken stays moist inside thanks to a simple marinating process and thoughtful cooking techniques.
• Easy to Make: Uses common ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can follow.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Mimics Longhorn Steakhouse-style Parmesan depth with garlic, herbs, and cheese.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted with different herbs, spices, or cooking methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, essential ingredients that each play a specific role in flavor, texture, or appearance. From the Parmesan cheese that delivers richness to the breadcrumbs that create irresistible crunch, here’s what you’ll gather before you start cooking.

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and juicy results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key to deep, cheesy flavor in the crust.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Crisp, well-seasoned crumbs form the golden outer layer.
• Eggs: Serve as the binding agent to make sure the cheese and crumbs stick perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch that enhances the Parmesan flavor.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs give the coating an aromatic, herbal accent.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural chicken flavors.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for frying or baking to help develop that crispy golden crust.

Variations for Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Feel free to put your personal spin on this classic recipe. Whether you want to make it healthier, spicier, or cheesy in a whole new way, adapting the basics is a breeze!

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella or Asiago cheese with Parmesan for a gooey, melty inside.
• Baked Version: Skip frying and bake the chicken for a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing crunch.
• Herb Variations: Swap oregano and basil with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat and gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy throughout.

Step 2: Make the Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil, and one empty dish for resting the coated chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well on both sides.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You can pan-fry the chicken in olive oil or butter over medium heat, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet until crispy and done.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices, then serve hot for the best crunch and flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese clings better and has more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Press the Coating Firmly: This ensures the crispy layer doesn’t fall off during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if frying, so the temperature stays consistent and the coating crisps.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking dries out chicken, so keep the ideal time in mind for juicy meat.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before breading, dry the chicken surface to help the egg and crumbs adhere better.

How to Serve Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon adds beautiful color and brightness to this dish, complementing its rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal that pleases every palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of linguine tossed with olive oil and garlic for a sophisticated twist or stack with layers of fresh tomato and basil for a chicken Parmesan-inspired sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making sure to keep the coating as dry as possible to maintain its crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags; they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a bit more juiciness, just adjust cooking times accordingly since thighs can be thicker.

Is it necessary to pan-fry the chicken? Can I bake it instead?

Baking is a great alternative and a healthier option. To keep it crispy, spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil before baking and flip halfway through.

What breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or panko both work well, but panko typically gives a lighter, crunchier crust.

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Even thickness, not overcooking, and resting the meat after cooking all contribute to tender, juicy chicken every time.

Can I prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, but don’t coat too far ahead as the crumbs can become soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a total game-changer for homemade comfort food. It brings all the best parts of a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Give it a try, and you might just find this crunchy, cheesy chicken becoming your new go-to dinner favorite. Happy cooking!

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