Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn Recipe – Easy Guide

If you’ve ever visited Longhorn Steakhouse, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their signature parmesan crusted chicken. This dish, with its golden, crispy crust and juicy, flavorful chicken, is a perfect example of comfort food done right. But you don’t need to visit the restaurant every time a craving strikes! In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to recreate the Longhorn-style parmesan crusted chicken at home. We’ll also explore everything from selecting the right ingredients to serving suggestions and recipe variations. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn Style

What Makes Parmesan Crusted Chicken Special?

Parmesan crusted chicken isn’t just any ordinary dish. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and a perfectly crisp, cheesy crust creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. It’s ideal for family dinners, date nights, or even a casual meal with friends. This recipe embodies the balance of texture and flavor that makes Longhorn Steakhouse’s version a fan favorite.

Why Recreate It at Home?

There’s something special about cooking a restaurant-style dish at home. Not only can you customize the ingredients to your preferences, but you also get the satisfaction of mastering a seemingly complex recipe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and gives you full control over portion sizes and seasoning levels.

A Touch of Nostalgia

Many people associate this dish with fond memories of dining out and enjoying hearty meals. Recreating it at home means you can relive those experiences anytime, in the comfort of your kitchen.

Key Features of the Recipe

• A cheesy, crispy topping made from parmesan and breadcrumbs.
• Juicy, well-seasoned chicken breasts marinated to perfection.
• A straightforward cooking process, ideal for both beginners and seasoned chefs.

Understanding Parmesan Crusted Chicken

What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Parmesan crusted chicken is a savory, satisfying dish where tender chicken breasts are topped with a crispy layer of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, often combined with flavorful herbs and spices. The chicken is typically baked or grilled to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the juicy meat and the crunchy, golden crust. What sets this dish apart is its ability to bring out simple yet bold flavors, making it a staple in American comfort food. It’s versatile enough to be paired with various sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to crisp salads.

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that balances taste and texture, appealing to both adults and kids. Its rich, cheesy crust elevates the chicken to gourmet levels, while the ease of preparation ensures it remains a favorite in home kitchens.

Origins of Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken

The Parmesan crusted chicken served at Longhorn Steakhouse has become iconic over the years. The recipe is inspired by classic American comfort food but elevated to suit the restaurant’s signature style. Longhorn aimed to create a dish that combines rustic charm with a touch of sophistication, and they certainly succeeded.

Drawing from Italian culinary traditions, the use of parmesan cheese adds a bold, nutty flavor, while breadcrumbs provide the much-loved crunch. The restaurant’s chefs likely experimented with various combinations to achieve the perfect ratio of cheese to breadcrumbs, ensuring a topping that doesn’t overpower the chicken but enhances its natural flavor.

While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, Longhorn’s approach reflects their philosophy: simple, high-quality ingredients treated with care. This dish, with its warm, comforting appeal, has become a favorite for families and food enthusiasts alike, earning a permanent spot on their menu. Now, countless home cooks strive to replicate this restaurant-style delight in their own kitchens.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients

Creating the perfect parmesan crusted chicken Longhorn style starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the flavor and texture that makes this dish irresistible.

1. Chicken Breasts

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Their neutral flavor profile makes them the perfect base for the crispy, cheesy crust.
• Tip: Opt for fresh chicken over frozen for better texture and taste. If using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

2. Parmesan Cheese

• The star of the dish! Grated parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor and helps create the signature golden crust.
• Tip: Freshly grated parmesan works best as it melts evenly and offers a stronger flavor compared to pre-grated versions.

3. Breadcrumbs

• Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for achieving the light, crunchy texture of the crust. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but they may create a denser topping.
• Tip: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing for extra crispiness.

4. Seasonings and Spices

• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhance the chicken’s natural flavor while adding depth to the crust.
• Tip: Adjust seasoning levels to match your taste preferences.

5. Olive Oil or Butter

• These add moisture and richness, ensuring the crust adheres to the chicken and doesn’t dry out during cooking.
• Tip: A combination of olive oil and butter gives the best balance of flavor and texture.

6. Lemon Juice

• A splash of lemon juice in the marinade brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
• Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable for its vibrant taste.

Selecting Quality Ingredients

Chicken Breasts
Choosing high-quality chicken is essential. Look for chicken labeled as organic or free-range, as these often have better flavor and texture. Avoid cuts with excessive liquid in the packaging, as this may indicate water retention, which can dilute the flavor.

Parmesan Cheese
The quality of your parmesan can make or break this dish. Opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible, as it has a distinct sharpness and depth of flavor that complements the breadcrumbs.

Breadcrumbs
For an authentic Longhorn-style crust, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended. They’re lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating that restaurant-quality crunch.

Spices and Herbs
Fresh spices yield the best results, but high-quality dried versions can work in a pinch. Adding a pinch of dried Italian herbs like oregano or thyme can elevate the crust’s flavor.

Olive Oil and Butter
Cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil is ideal for its robust flavor. When using butter, opt for unsalted to better control the seasoning levels.

By focusing on these high-quality ingredients, you’re already halfway to creating a dish that rivals the one served at Longhorn Steakhouse. Every detail matters, so don’t skimp on the essentials!

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

Marination is a vital step in making parmesan crusted chicken Longhorn style. It ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy while infusing it with flavor. A well-marinated chicken enhances the overall taste of the dish and guarantees that every bite is as savory as the first.

Why Marinate?
Marinating not only tenderizes the chicken but also allows the spices and seasonings to penetrate deeply. The acidity from ingredients like lemon juice breaks down the proteins, creating a softer texture.

Step-by-Step Marination Guide:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until blended.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Rest and Absorb:
   Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to 4 hours. The longer, the better for enhanced flavor.
4. Remove and Dry:
   Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures the crust adheres properly.

Preparing the Parmesan Crust

The parmesan crust is the hero of this dish. Achieving the perfect balance of crunch and flavor lies in preparing the crust mixture with precision.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• A pinch of paprika (for color and flavor)

Step-by-Step Crust Preparation:

1. Toast the Breadcrumbs:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
3. Optional: Extra Binding:
   If desired, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture for additional richness and to help it adhere better to the chicken.
4. Set Aside:
   Keep the crust mixture in a bowl until ready to use.

Cooking Methods

There are two popular ways to cook parmesan crusted chicken: grilling and baking. Both methods yield delicious results, but the choice depends on your equipment and desired texture.

Grilling:
Grilling provides a smoky flavor and slightly charred edges, making the dish taste rustic.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
4. Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a baking tray and top with the parmesan crust. Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt and brown the crust.

Baking:
Baking is convenient and ensures even cooking throughout.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
4. Remove from the oven, top with the parmesan crust, and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.

Key Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
• Broiling for a few minutes at the end enhances the crispiness of the crust.

Assembling the Dish

To bring everything together, assembling the dish properly is crucial. This step ensures that the crust adheres well and achieves the desired texture.

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Prepare the Chicken Base:
   Once the chicken is cooked, place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Apply the Parmesan Crust:
   Generously spoon the prepared crust mixture onto each chicken breast. Gently press it down with the back of the spoon to ensure it sticks.
3. Broil or Bake Again:
   Place the crusted chicken under the broiler or in a hot oven (400°F) for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. The crust should turn golden brown and slightly bubbly.
4. Rest and Serve:
   Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

With the assembly complete, your parmesan crusted chicken is ready to be served—crispy, flavorful, and downright delicious!