If you’ve ever craved restaurant-quality comfort food right at your own table, this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will absolutely blow you away. Imagine tender, juicy chicken with a flavor-packed parmesan and herb crust, all melting into a ranch-kissed layer beneath that glorious golden top. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for when you want to wow your family, treat yourself, or just bring a little more joy to the dinner routine. Let’s dig right in together and make your new chicken favorite become a reality!

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes from its combination of simple but mighty ingredients. Each one is chosen for the way it adds succulence, crunch, or that irresistible cheesy goodness. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—this perfect harmony is what brings the dish to life!

Chicken breasts: Pounding them to even thickness ensures fast, juicy, and evenly-cooked results every single time.
Olive oil: A quick sear in olive oil locks in flavor and gives a beautiful golden crust.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken throughout.
Black pepper: For gentle heat and complexity that isn’t overwhelming.
Garlic powder: Adds that savory, aromatic note that makes every bite so satisfying.
Paprika: A touch of smokiness and gorgeous color for the chicken’s surface.
Ranch dressing: Acts as a creamy, zippy layer under the cheese—absolute flavor magic!
Parmesan cheese (grated): The superstar of the crust, bringing nuttiness and salty depth.
Provolone cheese (shredded): Melts luxuriously, creating that iconic, stretchy cheese factor.
Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers unbeatable crunch and that golden, bakery-style finish.
Melted butter: Helps crisp up the crust while adding richness.
Dried parsley: For herby brightness and a splash of color to your finished dish.

How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this gives your chicken the perfect conditions to emerge with a crispy top and juicy center. While the oven warms up, gently pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This important step isn’t just about looks; it guarantees that your chicken cooks through evenly and stays juicy.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, blend together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This combination is your secret weapon for flavor! Rub it all over both sides of your chicken breasts, making sure every bite will be full of savory goodness.

Step 3: Sear for Flavor

Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re not cooking them through just yet; you’re simply building a gorgeous golden crust that will lock in flavor and moisture for your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Step 4: Ranch Layer

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Now, spread a generous helping of ranch dressing over each piece. This creamy layer not only keeps the chicken moist but infuses it with a tangy, savory kick that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 5: Make the Parmesan Crust

In a second bowl, mix together the grated parmesan, shredded provolone, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and dried parsley. This medley is the heart and soul of the dish—crispy, cheesy, and beautifully herb-flecked. Pile this mixture on top of each ranch-coated chicken breast, gently pressing so it forms a thick, even crust.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown, bubbling crust and an internal chicken temperature of 165°F. The cheesy topping should be bronzed and crisp, while the chicken inside stays tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken rest for just a couple minutes after baking. This little pause lets the juices settle and makes carving even easier. Now you’re ready to serve up pure dinnertime joy!

How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a quick dusting of extra parmesan cheese adds instant color and a gourmet touch. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright pop that cuts through the richness—trust me, it’s a game changer.

Side Dishes

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like pairing Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Roasted vegetables—like asparagus, green beans, or carrots—round out the meal beautifully, offering color and a healthy crunch that’s hard not to love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to make dinner extra special, try slicing the chicken breasts and fanning the pieces out on a platter, topped with microgreens or a drizzle of extra ranch on the side. Or, for a fun lunch, layer slices over toasted ciabatta bread with fresh arugula for a show-stopping sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools to room temperature before sealing it up to keep the topping as crisp as possible.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let the chicken cool, then wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking, then bake straight from the freezer (just add a few extra minutes to the cook time).

Reheating

To preserve that perfect parmesan crust, reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven set at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose some crunchiness. For an extra pop of flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan or a splash of ranch before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken gluten free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative, and the rest of the recipe is already gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for provolone cheese?

If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella or even Monterey Jack are delicious stand-ins. They’ll give you that same gooey melt and pair perfectly with the parmesan topping.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely—boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Just watch the baking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make the crust even crispier?

For extra crunch, you can broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—just enough to toast that parmesan breadcrumb layer to perfection!

Is there a lighter option for the ranch dressing?

Yes! You can swap the ranch for plain Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise mixed with dried dill and garlic powder for a lighter, protein-rich twist without sacrificing creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for your next dinner—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels special but is so simple to make. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate those crave-worthy flavors right in your own kitchen. Dig in, make it your own, and let it become the star of your next home-cooked meal!

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, featuring a crispy, cheesy topping over tender chicken breasts. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Topping:

1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season chicken: Rub seasoning blend over chicken breasts.
Sear chicken: Brown chicken in a skillet.
Prepare topping: Mix cheeses, breadcrumbs, butter, and parsley.
Coat chicken: Spread ranch dressing on chicken, then press crumb mixture on top.
Bake: Bake until golden and cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let chicken rest before serving.