Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Craving a restaurant-style longhorn parmesan crusted chicken that promises serious flavor? Southwestern-inspired comfort food doesn't get more delicious than this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Juicy chicken meets a crispy, golden coating that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish captures the essence of bold southwestern flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Memorable meals often emerge from unexpected combinations that surprise and delight.

Rich, savory notes will have everyone around the table asking for seconds – and the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Crowd-Pleaser Dinner: This chicken recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family asking for seconds.
  • Simple Breading Success: The three-step coating process ensures a perfectly crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavor while keeping the chicken tender inside.
  • Cheese Lover’s Dream: Adding the extra cheese topping creates a rich, melted layer that takes the chicken from good to absolutely delectable.
  • Flexible Side Partner: The chicken pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted vegetables to pasta, making meal planning a total breeze for busy households.

Which Ingredients Do You Need for Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): Lean protein that forms the heart of this delicious dish. Pounding them thin helps ensure even cooking.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Creates the first layer of breading for a crispy exterior.
  • Large Eggs (2): Helps the breading stick to your chicken and adds richness.
  • Milk (1/4 cup): Thins the egg mixture for smooth coating.
Dry Breading Mix:
  • Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Provides a crispy, golden crust that adds texture to your chicken.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds savory flavor and helps create a crisp coating. Extra cheese topping makes the dish extra delicious.
Seasonings:
  • Dried Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon), Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile of your chicken.
Cheese Topping:
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for a gooey, creamy finish.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the cheese topping.
Final Touch:
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.

Equipment You’ll Use for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Perfect for evenly cooking your chicken breasts and creating that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
  • Meat Mallet (or Heavy Rolling Pin): Essential for pounding the chicken to an even thickness so each bite cooks perfectly.
  • Three Medium Mixing Bowls: Needed to set up your breading station with flour, egg mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient amounts for consistent flavor.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Useful for mincing garlic and preparing any side dishes.
  • Cooking Tongs: Allows you to safely flip chicken and transfer pieces without breaking the crispy breading.
  • Broiler-Safe Pan: Helps melt the cheese topping quickly and create a delicious golden finish.

Cooking Method for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Cooking Method for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1

Prepare Chicken

Grab those 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and give them a good pounding until they’re an even thickness. This helps them cook perfectly. Sprinkle a tiny bit of salt and pepper over each piece.

2

Create Breading Setup

Set out three mixing bowls for your breading adventure. Here’s what goes where:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in the first bowl
  • 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup milk whisked together in the second bowl
  • Breading mix in the third bowl with
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3

Coat the Chicken

Dunk each chicken breast first in flour, then swish through the egg mixture, and finally coat completely with the breading mix. Make sure every inch gets covered for that perfect crispy exterior.

4

Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet at medium heat (375°F). Carefully place the breaded chicken in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

5

Add Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, mix together:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves minced garlic

Sprinkle this cheesy mixture generously over each chicken breast.

6

Melt the Cheese

Pop the skillet under the broiler at 500°F for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly. Pull it out the moment the cheese looks perfectly golden and melted.

7

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer those beautiful cheesy chicken breasts to plates. Pair with your favorite side dishes and get ready for a seriously delicious meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

What Makes Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Work Best

  • Grab a meat mallet and gently pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness, which helps them cook uniformly and stay super tender.
  • Create a smooth breading process by setting up three bowls – flour first, then egg mixture, and finally the seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan blend for maximum crunch.
  • Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each chicken piece, ensuring every inch gets a delicious crispy layer that’ll make your taste buds dance.
  • Use a medium-heat skillet and cook each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side, watching for that perfect golden-brown color that signals crispy perfection.
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan-mozzarella-garlic mixture generously over the cooked chicken and broil quickly to create a melted, irresistible cheese topping that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Flavorful Options For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, using the same amount. Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko crumbs to keep your crispy coating intact.
  • Herb-Packed Alternative: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add a handful of chopped herbs directly into your breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor depth.
  • Lower-Carb Swap: Skip the flour and breadcrumbs completely. Coat chicken in crushed pork rinds or ground almond meal mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crispy, low-carb exterior that still delivers amazing crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and replace milk with unsweetened almond milk. Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternative to make the recipe completely dairy-free while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

Best Serving Options For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Serving Size: Two chicken breasts make a perfect hearty meal for two people, with each person getting a generous portion that feels like restaurant-quality dining.
  • Veggie Companions: Roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad creates a balanced plate that complements the rich, cheesy chicken perfectly.
  • Wine Pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness and enhances the Parmesan’s tangy flavor, making your dinner feel extra special.
  • Quick Side Recommendation: Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf soak up the melted cheese wonderfully and round out the entire dish with minimal extra effort.

Smart Storage Tips For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crispy coating will soften, but the flavor stays delicious.
  • Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help maintain its original crispy texture. A quick blast under the broiler can restore some crispness.
  • Store the uncooked breaded chicken on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking if preparing ahead of time. This keeps the breading fresh and prevents sogginess.

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Questions And Answers

FAQ

Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders work perfectly and cook even faster. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they’re thinner.

FAQ

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to create your own blend. This works great as a substitute.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safely cooked through without drying out.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The recipe will still turn out crispy and delicious.

FAQ

Should the skillet be non-stick?

A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works best for getting that perfect golden-brown crust. Just make sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking.

FAQ

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Fresh-grated cheese melts better and has more flavor. But if you’re short on time, pre-shredded cheese will still taste great.

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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings restaurant-style magic straight to your kitchen table with crispy, cheesy goodness that makes dinner feel special. Grab some chicken, coat it in a delightful Parmesan crust, and savor each delicious bite of this simple yet impressive meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pound 4 chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Create three shallow dishes: one with ½ cup flour, another with 2 eggs and ¼ cup milk whisked together, and the third with 1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  3. Carefully coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip completely in egg mixture, and finally cover thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. Press crumbs gently to help them adhere to your chicken.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Gently place breaded chicken into hot pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Mix ½ cup Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Sprinkle this cheese blend evenly over each cooked chicken breast.
  6. Place skillet under broiler for 2-3 minutes at 500°F. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove when cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
  7. Transfer chicken to serving plates immediately. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set and juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet for consistent cooking and tender results.
  • Create a crispy coating by thoroughly dredging each chicken piece in flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the same delicious crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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