If you’ve ever craved the perfect combination of golden, cheesy crust and tender, flavorful chicken, then you’re in for a real treat with the LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. This dish captures everything that makes comfort food irresistible: a crispy Parmesan and panko crust that crunches delightfully with every bite, juicy marinated chicken that stays moist and tender, and just the right balance of herbs and tangy ranch dressing. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a steakhouse favorite straight to your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, from the tangy ranch marinade to the crispy breadcrumb topping that adds both texture and richness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- ½ cup olive oil: Adds moisture and helps carry flavors during marination.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Brings creamy, herby notes to the marinade and topping.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Offers a subtle umami depth that enhances the chicken’s savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Adds just a touch of acidity to brighten the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Provides fresh citrus contrast to rich ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Essential for that warm, inviting aroma and bold flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: The key to a perfectly crunchy crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses the crust with savory garlicky goodness.
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the breadcrumb mixture for rich, cheesy crispness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps bind the crust and adds a buttery finish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with ranch to create the creamy topping layer.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing: Combined with Parmesan for that signature glaze.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding smooth texture and mild sharpness.
How to Make LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. This marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken that stays tender throughout cooking. Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal it up and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, but ideally overnight to let those zesty flavors fully soak in.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
While the chicken marinates, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir this mixture until the crumbs are fully coated in butter, which will help achieve that irresistible golden brown crunch when baked. Set it aside for later; this crust will be the crowning glory of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off before discarding the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The grilling ensures a nice sear and cooks the chicken perfectly without drying it out. Once done, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet ready for the next step.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
Now preheat your oven’s broiler. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing to create a creamy spread. Spread a generous layer of this Parmesan-ranch mixture over each grilled chicken breast, then top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Finally, pile on the panko Parmesan crust prepared earlier, pressing gently to adhere. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown with just a hint of crispiness.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and, if you like, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the perfect crunch, gooey melted cheese, and tender meat every single time.
How to Serve LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely touch of green and a burst of herbaceous brightness that balances the richness of the Parmesan and cheese crust beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or carrots, or even a crisp garden salad for a lighter contrast. The versatility of the side allows you to make this meal as hearty or fresh as you prefer.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, slice the chicken into medallions and fan them over a plate drizzled with a little garlic butter or lemon herb sauce. Alternatively, serve the whole breast atop a bed of garlic-infused rice or alongside buttered pasta to soak up those irresistible flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and the crust’s texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crispy while gently warming the chicken inside, avoiding the rubbery texture microwave reheating can cause.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone adds a mild and melty texture that complements the Parmesan well, you can substitute mozzarella or even a mild cheddar if you prefer. Just choose a cheese that melts beautifully.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination is ideal for maximizing flavor infusion and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 2 to 3 hours will still yield delicious results.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through, then proceed with the topping and broiling steps. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor but baking works well too.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but panko is preferred for its light, airy texture that crisps up exceptionally well in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The chicken holds up well after refrigeration, and you can quickly reheat it throughout the week for a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal.
Final Thoughts
Making the LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that feels special yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The marriage of tangy ranch, savory Parmesan crust, and juicy grilled chicken makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you give it a try, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes just as it is for me—so don’t hesitate, get cooking and savor every bite!
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LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, topped with a creamy Parmesan-ranch spread, provolone cheese, and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Finished under the broiler for a golden, cheesy topping, this dish delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet.
- Assemble and Broil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. In a small bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing to create a spread. Spread a layer of this Parmesan-ranch mixture over each chicken breast. Top each piece with a slice of provolone cheese, then sprinkle the prepared panko Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the provolone. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, paired with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or stovetop skillet can be used for cooking the chicken.
- Watch closely while broiling as topping can brown quickly and burn.
- For a crispier topping, lightly toast the breadcrumb mixture before applying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-3 hours to overnight marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (grilling and broiling combined)
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
