longhorn parmesan crusted chicken

Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. This copycat recipe delivers tender chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan crust, topped with melted provolone and a creamy ranch spread—just like the famous Longhorn Steakhouse version.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Let’s break down how to make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip the wait and enjoy Longhorn’s signature dish in your own kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses easy-to-find items like Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing, and Italian dressing.
• Versatile Cooking Methods – Works in the oven, skillet, or air fryer.
• Juicy & Flavorful – Marinating the chicken keeps it tender, while the Parmesan crust adds crunch.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats well for leftovers.

What You’ll Need for longhorn parmesan chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup Italian dressing (for marinating)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Topping:

• 4 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing

Step-by-Step: How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

• place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
• Pour Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

2. Prepare the Parmesan Crust

• In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko, parsley, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.

3. Cook the Chicken

Oven Method (Recommended):

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the chicken from marinade and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
• Transfer to a baking sheet. Press the Parmesan crust mixture evenly onto each breast.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• After searing, place chicken in the air fryer basket. Top with Parmesan crust.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.

4. Add the Toppings

• Remove chicken from the oven or air fryer.
• Place a slice of provolone cheese on each breast.
• Return to the heat for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.

Chef’s Secrets for the Best Parmesan Crust

Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent even melting. Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better texture and flavor.
2. Pat the Chicken Dry Before Cooking – Excess moisture prevents the crust from sticking. Blot the marinated chicken with a paper towel before adding the Parmesan mixture.
3. Press the Crust Firmly – Gently press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere and create a crispier coating.
4. Don’t Skip the Sear – Browning the chicken in a skillet before baking locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
5. Check Internal Temperature – Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Overcooking dries it out.

Easy Variations

• Gluten-Free → Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
• Extra Crispy → Add 1-2 tbsp crushed cornflakes to the Parmesan mixture.
• Spicy Version → Mix ½ tsp cayenne or smoked paprika into the crust.
• Lighter Option → Skip the provolone or use reduced-fat cheese.
• Different Cheese → Try mozzarella, Asiago, or fontina instead of provolone.
• Herb Boost → Add 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the crust.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Air Fryer → Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes (flip halfway).
• Grill → Use a grill basket to prevent the crust from falling off.
• No Oven? → Cook entirely in a skillet over medium-low heat (cover to melt cheese).

Meal Prep Shortcut

• Prep the Parmesan crust mix ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Marinate chicken overnight for faster cooking the next day.

Note: For halal diets, ensure Parmesan uses microbial rennet or substitute with pecorino Romano.

Perfect Side Dishes to Pair With Your Chicken

Perfect Pairings for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This rich, cheesy chicken deserves equally delicious sides. Here are our top recommendations to complete your meal:

Classic Comfort Pairings:

• Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles or fettuccine Alfredo
• Roasted rosemary potatoes
• Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon (or turkey bacon for halal/pork-free)

Lighter Fresh Options:

• Caesar salad with homemade croutons
• Steamed asparagus with lemon butter
• Caprese salad (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil)
• Garlic sautéed green beans

Restaurant-Style Sides (Like Longhorn Steakhouse):

• Loaded baked potato with all the fixings
• Crispy onion straws or shoestring fries
• Creamed spinach (made with halal cream if needed)
• Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter

For Special Occasions:

• Truffle mac and cheese
• Lobster mashed potatoes
• Grilled vegetable medley with balsamic glaze
• Wild mushroom risotto

Sauce Options to Elevate Your Dish:

• Extra ranch dressing for dipping
• Marinara sauce (traditional chicken parm style)
• Lemon garlic aioli
• Creamy mushroom sauce

Presentation Tips:

1. Slice the chicken diagonally before plating to showcase the juicy interior
2. Drizzle sauces in artistic swirls around the plate
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves
4. Serve on warm plates to keep everything hot
5. Offer lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch

Complete Meal Ideas:

• Family Dinner: Parmesan chicken + mashed potatoes + roasted carrots
• Date Night: Chicken + wild rice pilaf + roasted asparagus + chocolate mousse
• Game Day: Chicken strips + fries + coleslaw + beer (or sparkling cider)
• Summer BBQ: Grilled version + corn salad + watermelon slices

Remember that this versatile dish pairs well with nearly any side – choose your favorites or mix and match based on what’s in season! The creamy, cheesy flavors complement both hearty and light accompaniments beautifully.

Keep It Crispy: Storing & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Proper storage keeps your Parmesan crusted chicken tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator:
  • Let chicken cool completely (about 30 minutes) before storing.
  • Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
  • Stores for 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer (for Longer Storage):
  • Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then foil.
  • Place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air.
  • Label with the date – keeps for 2–3 months.
  • Note: The crust may soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating for Best Results

To restore crispiness, avoid the microwave when possible:

1. Oven Method (Best for Crispiness):
   • Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through (165°F).
   • For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
2. Air Fryer (Quick & Crispy):
   • Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
   • Spritz lightly with oil to refresh the crust.
3. Skillet Method:
   • Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, covering briefly to melt cheese if needed.
4. Microwave (Fast but Less Crisp):
   • Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.
   • Heat in 30-second intervals until warm (usually 1–2 minutes total).

Tips for Success:

• Avoid soggy crust: Reheat uncovered when using oven/air fryer.
• Add moisture: Drizzle 1 tsp broth or water before microwaving.
• Freezer to oven: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Repurpose leftovers: Chop for salads, pasta, or sandwiches.

Note: The ranch topping is best added fresh after reheating.

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longhorn parmesan crusted chicken

Jessica

Enjoy this copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe! A copycat version of juicy chicken with a crunchy parmesan crust. Tastes like

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup Italian dressing for marinating
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated works best
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Topping:

• 4 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing

Instructions

 

Marinate the Chicken

• Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
• Pour Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

Prepare the Parmesan Crust

• In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko, parsley, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.

Cook the Chicken

• Oven Method (Recommended):
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
• Transfer to a baking sheet. Press the Parmesan crust mixture evenly onto each breast.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• After searing, place chicken in the air fryer basket. Top with Parmesan crust.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.

Add the Toppings

• Remove chicken from the oven or air fryer.
• Place a slice of provolone cheese on each breast.
• Return to the heat for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	12g
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	980mg

Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Works

This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers the same rich, cheesy, and crispy experience as the restaurant version—with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Whether you bake, air fry, or pan-sear it, the result is juicy chicken with a golden Parmesan crust that everyone will love.

Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!

FAQs

Enjoy your homemade Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken—crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious!