Introduction
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the crispy.
savory goodness of Parmesan and breadcrumbs with tender chicken breasts, topped off with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce.
This dish brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your home.
The crispy exterior of the chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy, buttery sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To begin making the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly throughout.
Next, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will help the chicken cook more uniformly.
In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian-style breadcrumbs. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Prepare a third dish with the all-purpose flour, seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper as well.
Next, dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then, dip it into the egg wash and coat thoroughly.
with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. The breadcrumbs should stick to the chicken nicely, giving it a good crust.
Heat the olive oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Once the chicken has a nice crust, transfer it to a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, prepare the garlic butter sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the garlic.
butter sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.
How to Make
Making Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy process that’s perfect for a weekday dinner or a special event. The key to success with this dish is achieving.
that perfect crispy crust on the chicken, which comes from a careful coating process of flour, egg wash, and Parmesan-breadcrumbs.
Start by preparing the chicken breasts, making sure they are even in thickness for uniform cooking. This will ensure that every bite is tender and juicy.
The flour coating creates a base layer that helps the egg wash stick to the chicken, which in turn holds the breadcrumb mixture.
The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs is what gives the chicken its signature crispy texture and rich flavor.
To get a golden crust, it’s important to cook the chicken in a hot skillet with a good balance of oil and butter.
The butter adds richness, while the oil helps maintain the right temperature for frying. Be sure not to overcrowd.
the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry, preventing that crispy coating from forming.
Once the chicken is browned and crisp, transferring it to the oven is essential to cook the chicken through without burning the crust.
The oven step helps finish cooking the chicken and locks in the juices, so you’re left with tender, flavorful meat.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the garlic butter sauce, which is the perfect finishing touch. It’s important to cook the garlic gently to release its flavor without allowing it to brown too much.
The addition of Parmesan cheese and lemon juice creates a balanced sauce that is both creamy and tangy, complementing the rich chicken perfectly.
When assembling the dish, remember that the garlic butter sauce should be drizzled generously over the chicken just before serving.
This ensures that the sauce stays fresh and vibrant, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming the delicate texture of the chicken.
Lastly, serve the dish with a side of your favorite vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to create a complete meal that everyone will love.
Variations
While this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to switch things up based on personal preference. For example.
you can add extra herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as dried oregano, basil, or thyme, for a different flavor profile.
This can give the chicken a unique twist while still maintaining that crispy, cheesy exterior.
For a slightly lighter version of the dish, you could opt for a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan instead of the traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs.
Panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier crust, making the chicken feel lighter and airier while still packing in the flavor.
If you’re looking to make the dish spicier, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
This will add a subtle heat that complements the richness of the chicken and the garlic butter sauce, creating an exciting contrast of flavors.
For those who enjoy a more decadent dish, try adding a layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken just before serving.
This variation creates a cheesy, melty topping that enhances the savory flavor of the Parmesan crust.
If you prefer to switch the protein, this recipe can be adapted to work with fish fillets, such as tilapia or cod. Simply follow the same steps.
adjusting the cooking time to accommodate the thinner fish. The crispy crust pairs wonderfully with light fish and the garlic butter sauce.
For a gluten-free option, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds. This will still create a delicious crust, while catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Lastly, if you want to make the dish a bit more luxurious, try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce.
The wine will add depth of flavor and complexity, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
Tips
To ensure your chicken stays moist and tender, always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so it’s important to avoid this by ensuring they reach the recommended 165°F (75°C).
For the crispiest crust, make sure your oil and butter are hot enough before adding the chicken to the skillet.
The chicken should sizzle immediately when it hits the pan. If it doesn’t, the crust may not form properly.
When preparing the garlic butter sauce, be cautious not to burn the garlic. Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt quickly, so sauté it over medium heat and keep an eye on it as it cooks.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. Just use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
For a restaurant-style finish, consider garnishing your dish with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of additional garlic butter sauce. This adds extra flavor and makes the presentation even more appealing.
If you have leftover chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to preserve the crispy crust.
To make the dish even more flavorful, you can marinate the chicken breasts for a few hours in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with additional layers of flavor.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its simple yet sophisticated flavors.
With a few key techniques and simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.
The result is a satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to your table.