How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken: Secret Restaurant Recipe

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Did you know the longhorn parmesan chicken recipe clocks in at 660 calories, almost identical to the restaurant’s 650-calorie version? That’s right—you can
recreate this steakhouse favorite with remarkable accuracy at home!
While Longhorn Steakhouse is famous for its steaks, their parmesan crusted chicken has actually become a standout menu item. If you’ve ever craved this dish
but didn’t want to leave home, I’ve got excellent news. This copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers that perfect combination of crispy, cheesy
goodness and juicy chicken that keeps everyone coming back for more. Surprisingly, dinner can be ready in under 30 minutes, making this an ideal weeknight
meal option.
What makes the longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken recipe so special? For starters, the marinade keeps the chicken super juicy, while the delightful
Parmesan and Provolone cheese combination melts beautifully under a crunchy panko topping. Furthermore, if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can
easily adapt this recipe by swapping the panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
In this article, I’ll walk you through all the longhorn parmesan crusted chicken ingredients and steps to create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Let’s
get cooking!
What You’ll Need for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To recreate this beloved restaurant classic at home, first gather everything needed for the perfect longhorn parmesan chicken recipe. I’ve broken down all
essential components to make your shopping and preparation easier.
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
The foundation of any great longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken recipe begins with quality chicken and a flavorful marinade. You’ll need:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thin-sliced breasts or cut regular ones in half lengthwise) [1]
1/2 to 1 cup Italian dressing (the key marinade component) [1] [2]
1/3 cup ranch dressing (adds creaminess to the marinade) [2]
1 teaspoon minced garlic [1]
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) [1]
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper [1]
2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking) [1]
Parmesan Crust Components
The signature cheesy crust gives this copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken its distinctive taste:
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1/4 to 1/3 cup ranch dressing [2] [3]
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (alternatively, you can use slices cut into small pieces) [2] [4]
1/4 to 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese [1] [2]
Breadcrumb Topping Essentials
For that irresistible golden, crunchy finish:
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (offers better texture than regular breadcrumbs) [2]
1/4 cup additional freshly grated parmesan cheese [2]
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder [2]
3-4 tablespoons melted salted butter [2] [1]
Kitchen Tools Required
Equally important are the right tools to prepare longhorn parmesan crusted chicken ingredients properly:
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Oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) [2] [4]
Meat mallet (for tenderizing and evening chicken thickness) [1]
Cutting board and sharp knife [1]
Mixing bowls (various sizes) [1] [4]
Measuring cups and spoons [1]
Tongs or spatula for handling chicken [1]
Whisk or fork for mixing [1]
Additionally, if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a regular skillet for cooking the chicken, then transfer to a baking dish for the final broiling step.
Moreover, having a meat thermometer on hand ensures your chicken reaches the perfect doneness without overcooking.
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Base
The foundation of any successful longhorn parmesan chicken recipe begins with properly prepared chicken. Getting this base right ensures your final dish will
rival the restaurant version.
Tenderizing and Cutting the Chicken
First, choose between whole chicken breasts or pre-cut thin cutlets. For whole breasts, I recommend cutting them in half horizontally to create thinner filets.
Subsequently, place them between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet until they reach approximately 1/2 inch thickness [5]. This
uniform thickness ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Creating the Flavorful Marinade
Primarily, you have two excellent options for the marinade. The traditional approach uses bottled Italian dressing [5], while the more authentic longhorn
steakhouse parmesan chicken recipe calls for a homemade mixture. For the homemade version, whisk together:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
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3/4 tablespoon ground black pepper [6]
Marinating Time: Quick vs. Overnight Options
Naturally, the chicken needs time to absorb the flavors. The minimum marinating time is 30 minutes [5], though many sources recommend longer periods. For
deeper flavor penetration and extra juicy results, marinating overnight works wonderfully [1]. Nevertheless, be cautious not to over-marinate—the acids can break
down proteins, resulting in mushy chicken [7].
Cooking the Chicken to Juicy Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off before placing in the
pan [5]. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes without moving them initially to achieve a beautiful golden sear [1]. Alternatively, you can:
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Grill for 12-15 minutes until nicely browned [8]
Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F [6]
The key to perfectly juicy chicken lies in not overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure your copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken reaches
the ideal temperature without drying out.
Creating the Signature Parmesan Crust
The signature crust truly makes the longhorn parmesan chicken recipe stand out from ordinary chicken dishes. Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to
create that irresistible cheesy topping that gives this dish its renowned flavor profile.
Mixing the Cheese Blend
The secret to authentic copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken lies in the precise cheese combination. Start by combining provolone and parmesan cheeses
in a medium bowl. For best results, use 3/4 cup of each cheese chopped into small bits [9]. Alternatively, some recipes call for 1/2 cup provolone with 1/3 cup
parmesan [10]. Fresh is essential—opt for freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties whenever possible [11]. The freshly grated version melts
better and provides richer flavor since it lacks the anti-caking additives found in store-bought shredded cheese.
Adding the Ranch Dressing
Now comes the creamy element that binds everything together. Mix 6 tablespoons of buttermilk ranch dressing into your cheese blend [9]. Regular ranch works
fine as well [12]. Stir thoroughly until you achieve a consistent, spreadable mixture. This ranch-cheese combination creates that signature tangy-creamy base that
distinguishes longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken recipe from similar dishes.
Preparing the Crispy Panko Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons garlic powder [9]. Panko provides superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Next, pour in 5 tablespoons of melted butter [9] or 3 tablespoons for a lighter version [10]. Mix until all breadcrumbs are evenly moistened—this ensures perfect
golden browning under the broiler. Some variations include adding extra parmesan to this mixture for additional flavor depth [7].
Layering Techniques for Maximum Flavor
Proper layering is crucial for the longhorn parmesan crusted chicken ingredients to deliver maximum impact:
1. First, spread the cheese-ranch mixture evenly across each cooked chicken breast
2. Immediately sprinkle the buttered panko mixture on top
3. Press gently to ensure good adhesion without compacting the topping
The layering sequence matters significantly—the cheese mixture must go directly against the hot chicken to initiate melting, yet the breadcrumb topping must
remain on top to achieve that signature golden-brown finish under the broiler [7].
Finishing and Serving Your Copycat Longhorn Chicken
The final step in perfecting your longhorn parmesan chicken recipe happens under the broiler. Once the preparation is complete, it’s time to transform this dish
into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
Broiling to Golden Perfection
Position your oven rack in the middle-lower part and set to low broil (approximately 450°F) [13]. Place your skillet with the chicken directly into the oven and broil
for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts [5]. Afterward, remove the pan, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, then return to broil for another 2-4 minutes until
golden brown [1]. Watch closely during this final stage—the difference between perfectly toasted and burnt happens quickly!
Best Side Dishes to Serve
Pair your copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken with complementary sides:
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Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes [14]
Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans [15]
Fresh garden or Caesar salad [16]
Homemade rolls or garlic bread [5]
For a complete family meal, consider mac and cheese or buttery corn for additional comfort food options [17].
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer [2]. When reheating, the oven method at 350°F for 10-15
minutes maintains texture best [5]. Alternatively, use an air fryer for superior crispiness [4]. Ideally, avoid microwaving as it softens the crust [17].
Keto and Low-Carb Variations
Transform this longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken recipe into a keto-friendly option by substituting pork rinds for panko breadcrumbs [3]. Furthermore,
almond flour works as an excellent gluten-free alternative [18]. These simple modifications maintain the signature flavor while dramatically reducing carbohydrate
content.
Conclusion
Making this copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken at home allows you to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving your kitchen. After all, the combination
of juicy chicken, creamy cheese blend, and crispy topping creates a dish that rivals the original in both taste and presentation. You might be surprised how closely
this homemade version matches the calorie count of the restaurant dish, making it an excellent choice for those tracking their nutrition.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. Most importantly, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
when you crave something special but lack time. Additionally, the recipe accommodates dietary preferences with easy keto adaptations—simply swap panko for
crushed pork rinds.
Remember, the secret to success centers around proper chicken preparation, marinating for optimal flavor, and that signature parmesan crust. The layering
technique creates that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes the Longhorn version so popular.
Next time your family requests restaurant dining, consider this homemade alternative instead. The straightforward preparation and accessible ingredients make
this an achievable gourmet meal for any home cook. Your dinner guests will certainly ask for seconds, and possibly even the recipe!
We hope this detailed guide helps you recreate this beloved steakhouse classic with confidence. Give it a try this week—your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken special? Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is known for its juicy chicken base, flavorful
marinade, and a signature crust made with a blend of Parmesan and Provolone cheeses, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
Q2. How long does it take to prepare this dish at home? You can prepare this copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home in under 30 minutes,
making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Q3. Can I make this dish keto-friendly? Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a keto diet by substituting the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or
almond flour, maintaining the flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
Q4. What’s the secret to achieving a crispy crust? The key to a crispy crust is using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and broiling the dish for a
few minutes at the end of cooking. This creates a golden-brown, crunchy topping.
Q5. What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken? Excellent side dish options include creamy garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli,
roasted green beans, Caesar salad, or homemade rolls. For a complete family meal, you could also consider mac and cheese or buttery corn.