If you’re looking to recreate a beloved restaurant favorite right at home, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a heavenly blend of cheeses, ranch dressing, and crispy seasoned breadcrumbs that bake into a golden crust. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, offering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe hits every comforting note you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe shine, each adding its own essential touch to the final dish. From the savory blend of cheeses to the punchy seasonings and crispy breadcrumbs, every element plays a key role in delivering that perfect flavor and texture combination.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Flattened evenly for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese: Offers a smooth, mild meltiness to the cheese blend.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stretchy, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese: Adds tangy depth to the cheese mixture.
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing: Provides a rich, herb-infused base under the cheese.
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, flavorful topping that crisps up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory warmth throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky hint and gorgeous color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing, creating that golden-brown crust on the chicken.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your chicken breasts and flatten them carefully to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This seasoning base is what sets the stage for the dish’s bold, savory flavor profile.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds delightful texture before baking. Once seared, remove the chicken from the heat and place it onto a baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. This cheese blend delivers the perfect balance of melting quality, flavor sharpness, and creamy richness that everyone loves in the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon a generous layer of creamy ranch dressing evenly over each seared chicken breast. Then sprinkle the mixed cheeses on top, covering each piece completely. Finish by topping with seasoned breadcrumbs to add crunch and color. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F is the safety sweet spot. The cheese should be bubbly and just starting to brown.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving brings a pop of vibrant color and a touch of herbal brightness to this rich, cheesy dish. A light drizzle of extra ranch dressing or a squeeze of fresh lemon can also elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery steamed vegetables. The simplicity of green beans, asparagus, or broccoli balances the richness of the chicken, making for a well-rounded meal. Rice pilaf or garlic bread are also excellent options to soak up every last bit of that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced on a bed of fresh baby spinach or arugula tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop creamy polenta or alongside a colorful quinoa salad to add texture contrast and a modern flair to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that might be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so reheated chicken tastes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F and cover loosely with foil. Warm it for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the cheesy topping and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses a specific blend for authenticity, you can substitute with any Italian cheese blends, or use sharp cheddar for a twist. Just keep a mix that melts well and offers a balance of sharp and mild flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses seasoned breadcrumbs, which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Since cheese and ranch dressing are key to the dish’s flavor and texture, it’s a bit challenging. However, using dairy-free cheese alternatives and a dairy-free ranch dressing can help you enjoy a similar experience.
How can I get the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
For an extra crisp crust, you can broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, and you’ll get a perfect golden, crunchy topping.
Can I grill the chicken instead of searing and baking?
Grilling can be an option, but to achieve the melt and crispiness of the cheese topping, baking is the best way. You could grill the chicken first for flavor and then finish in the oven with toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week, yet impressive enough to make guests feel special. The cheesy, creamy, and crispy combo is just irresistible, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished dish. Give it a go and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table—you might just find your new favorite chicken recipe!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then baked with a creamy ranch dressing and a blend of Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. Topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, this flavorful and cheesy chicken bake delivers a crispy crust and melty interior, perfect for a comforting dinner. Ideal for American cuisine lovers seeking a restaurant-style meal at home, with optional gluten-free adjustments.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Toppings and Dressing
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Flatten the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, shredded mozzarella, and grated Romano cheeses. Stir to evenly mix.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Generously spread a spoonful of creamy ranch dressing over the top of each breast. Sprinkle the prepared cheese mixture evenly over every piece, then top with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan chicken hot, ideally with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheese blend with Italian cheese if provolone or Romano are unavailable.
- Broiling for 2 minutes at the end enhances the crispiness of the breadcrumb topping.
- This dish pairs excellently with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh steamed vegetables.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ranch dressing.
