Zesty Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn Copycat Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering parmesan crusted chicken LongHorn copycat recipe brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Restaurants often guard their secret formulas carefully, but home cooks can recreate stunning dishes with simple techniques.

Crispy exterior and tender meat promise a delightful dining experience that rivals professional chefs.

Cheese lovers will adore this golden-brown delight that combines classic comfort with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Italian-inspired seasonings dance across each perfectly coated chicken piece, creating irresistible textures and aromas.

My favorite part involves the unexpected crunch that surprises everyone at the table.

Jump into this delectable adventure and watch dinner become an instant celebration of taste.

Make-at-Home Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Marinate chicken ahead of time for deep, rich flavors that save precious cooking minutes.
• Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
• Create a cheesy, crispy chicken that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Adapt the recipe for different diets by swapping ingredients or serving with various side dishes.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender cut that serves as the base for this flavorful dish.

• Italian Dressing: A zesty blend that adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Provolone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that provide a rich, melty topping with a crisp texture.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter: Create a golden, crispy exterior that adds texture and richness to the chicken.

How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Drench Chicken in Zesty Marinade

Grab your chicken breasts and generously coat them with Italian dressing.

Let the poultry soak up all those tangy flavors by refrigerating for 30 minutes or ideally overnight to maximize taste penetration.

Step 2: Sizzle the Protein

Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken into the pan, cooking each side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.

Step 3: Layer Melty Cheese

Strategically place provolone cheese slices directly on top of each perfectly seared chicken breast, allowing the heat to start softening the cheese.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Mix ingredients until they form a delightful, crumbly texture.

Step 5: Transform with Golden Crunch

Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese-topped chicken.

Transfer the skillet to the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until the topping transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove from broiler and let chicken rest for a moment.

Plate and enjoy your restaurant-quality chicken with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips for Copycat Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Let chicken marinate overnight in Italian dressing to ensure deep, rich taste throughout the meat.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior on the chicken.
• Ensure provolone is evenly placed and covers the entire chicken breast for consistent melting and flavor.
• Press panko-parmesan mixture firmly onto the cheese to create a crunchy, well-adhered coating that won't fall off during broiling.
• Watch the chicken closely during the final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.

Reheat and Save Parmesan Crusted Chicken Right

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without the cheese topping to maintain best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add fresh parmesan sprinkle before serving to refresh the crispy texture.
• Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.

What Goes Well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, cheesy chicken and cut through its creamy texture.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, buttery chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or herb-infused zucchini to add nutritional variety and enhance the dish's Italian-inspired flavors.
• Pour Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a light blonde ale or wheat beer that won't overpower the delicate chicken and will refresh the palate between bites.

Delicious Variations on Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap panko with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the crunchy coating intact.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and replace provolone with dairy-free cheese slices or skip cheese entirely for a lighter protein option.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the panko mixture to enhance the flavor profile and add extra aromatic complexity.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crust crispy?

Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter create a golden, crunchy topping that adds texture and richness to the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Provolone works best, but you can substitute with mozzarella for a similar melting quality and mild flavor profile.

• Why marinate the chicken in Italian dressing?

The dressing tenderizes the meat, adds flavor depth, and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and quickly cook it when ready to serve, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn Copycat Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Longhorn’s legendary Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens with crispy, golden perfection. Cheese-lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will savor this simple yet irresistible dish that delivers restaurant-style satisfaction in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ranch dressing

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 ml) Italian dressing
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken in Italian dressing, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of half an hour or refrigerate overnight for enhanced taste absorption.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, carefully positioning marinated chicken and cooking approximately 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Layer provolone cheese atop each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Combine panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan, then integrate softened butter until mixture becomes slightly crumbly and cohesive.
5. Generously distribute seasoned breadcrumb mixture across cheese-covered chicken, creating an even, textured coating.
6. Position chicken under broiler, maintaining distance of 4-5 inches from heat source, and cook 2-3 minutes until topping transforms into a golden, crispy exterior with rich amber highlights.
7. Remove from broiler, allowing chicken to rest 3-4 minutes for juices to redistribute and ensure optimal moisture retention before serving.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing not only adds incredible flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and delicious result.
• Choose full-fat Italian dressing for maximum flavor and richness, which helps create a more succulent chicken breast.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy texture.
• If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the topping mixture to reduce calories while keeping the crispy, golden crust intact.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg