Longhorn Steakhouse is famous for its hearty, flavorful dishes, and one of their standout recipes is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy topping that’s golden and crispy. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many.
The good news is that you can recreate this delicious restaurant-style dish at home! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients to ensure your cooking process goes smoothly:
. For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
. For the Parmesan Crust:
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
. For the Creamy Topping:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
A pinch of salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Tenderize the Chicken:
. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This ensures even cooking.
Season the Chicken:
. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil.
. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides.
Sear the Chicken:
. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) but still juicy.
. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together:
. Mayonnaise
. Sour cream
. Dijon mustard
. Garlic powder
. Onion powder
. A pinch of salt and pepper
. Stir until smooth and set aside. This creamy layer adds a tangy and rich flavor that complements the cheesy crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
In another small bowl, combine:
. Grated Parmesan cheese
. Panko breadcrumbs
. Melted butter
. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined and form a crumbly texture. The panko breadcrumbs give the topping its signature crunch, while the Parmesan adds a savory kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken
. Spread a generous layer of the creamy topping over each chicken breast.
. Sprinkle the Parmesan crust mixture evenly over the creamy layer, pressing it gently so it adheres well.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
. Place the prepared chicken in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly.
. For an extra crispy top, switch to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
. Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes to retain its juices.
. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality mayonnaise elevate the flavor.
. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
. Customize the Crust: Add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes or mix in Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the creamy topping and Parmesan crust mixture in advance to save time.
Why This Recipe is a Hit
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a standout dish because it combines:
. Flavorful Chicken: Juicy and well-seasoned.
. Creamy Topping: Adds tanginess and moisture.
. Crispy Parmesan Crust: Provides the perfect cheesy crunch.
It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Conclusion
Recreating Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is not only achievable but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe brings the restaurant experience to your dining table, perfect for family meals or special occasions. With its juicy chicken, creamy topping, and crispy Parmesan crust, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying crunch of this dish, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort meal!
