Craving the crispy, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken but don’t want to leave the house? This copycat recipe will help you recreate that restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen! Featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a creamy Parmesan and provolone crust, this dish is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out perfectly every time.
What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fan favorite, featuring grilled or baked chicken breasts that are topped with a creamy, cheesy mixture of Parmesan, provolone, and breadcrumbs. The result is a deliciously tender chicken breast with a crispy, flavorful topping that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, veggies, or pasta.
Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Parmesan Crust Topping:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (optional, adds extra creaminess)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to mix with the breadcrumbs)
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to customize the recipe based on what you have or your preferences:
- Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take longer to cook.
- Cheese: If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great substitutes. You can also try a blend of different cheeses for more flavor.
- Mayo alternative: For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the best crispy texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season them on both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with lemon juice if desired.
3. Sear the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this point—they will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Make the Parmesan topping
While the chicken is searing, mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, and ranch dressing in a small bowl. This will create the creamy topping for the chicken.
5. Prepare the breadcrumb topping
In another small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated and slightly crispy. This will be the crunchy layer that gives the chicken its signature crust.
6. Bake the chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Spoon the Parmesan topping evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheesy layer.
7. Bake to perfection
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, making it extra juicy.
How to Cook Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
To make sure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some key tips:
- Searing for flavor: Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds a beautiful golden-brown color to the chicken, giving it a deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping: The buttery panko breadcrumbs are essential for adding that crispy, golden texture on top of the creamy Parmesan mixture.
- Monitor the oven temperature: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after it’s baked ensures the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F.
- Skipping the searing step: Searing the chicken breasts before baking them is essential for creating depth of flavor and sealing in moisture.
- Not evenly distributing the topping: Make sure each chicken breast is coated evenly with the Parmesan topping and breadcrumbs to ensure that every bite has a balance of flavors and textures.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and can be served in different ways:
- Serve with mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich Parmesan topping. Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
- Over pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, drizzling any leftover pan juices over the noodles for a delicious, creamy meal.
- With a salad: For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with a fresh green salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Here are a few serving ideas to make this dish even more impressive:
- Family-style: Serve the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges and parsley for garnish. Place your sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables around the chicken for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation.
- Individual plates: Plate each chicken breast individually, alongside a serving of mashed potatoes, pasta, or vegetables. Add a drizzle of olive oil or extra Parmesan for garnish.
- Over rice: Serve the chicken over rice pilaf or wild rice for a hearty, comforting meal.
Presentation Ideas for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To make this dish look as good as it tastes, try these presentation tips:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme over the chicken adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with lemon slices: Place a few lemon slices or wedges on the side of the plate to enhance the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Use a decorative baking dish: Serve the chicken directly from a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the Parmesan topping and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish just before baking.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken after it has cooled. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. The creamy texture and tangy flavor will still pair well with the cheese and breadcrumbs.
How do I keep chicken breasts moist in the oven?
Searing the chicken before baking helps lock in moisture, and the creamy Parmesan topping acts as a moisture barrier during baking. Using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook the chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, and ensure any other ingredients (like ranch dressing) are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with Parmesan crusted chicken?
This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over pasta with a light sauce or on abed of risotto.
Conclusion
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe is an easy, delicious way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. With its juicy chicken, creamy Parmesan topping, and crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and flavorful it is!
PrintLonghorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat Recipe recreates the restaurant’s famous dish with tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy Parmesan and cheese crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite steakhouse straight to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Parmesan crust: In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Top the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread a generous amount of the Parmesan mixture over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute the provolone with mozzarella or cheddar based on preference.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with Parmesan crust
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
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