This Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a winner! Tender chicken breasts are coated with crispy breadcrumbs and covered in flavorful parmesan cheese. Yum!
The best part? It’s super simple to make at home! I often whip this up for busy nights when I want something tasty without all the fuss. Give it a try tonight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs, though they may take slightly longer to cook.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add flavor and texture. If you don’t have them, you can mix regular breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. Panko breadcrumbs are another great choice for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for that rich flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute too.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice crispy texture. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
The secret to perfectly cooked chicken is about maintaining even thickness. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken in a resealable bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Check doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite juicy!
Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or more as needed)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend a little time on each step, but most of the time is just letting it bake. Total time is about 50 minutes, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easier. This will help achieve that lovely golden crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a plastic bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
3. Mix the Coatings:
In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together. Place the flour in a third bowl, which will be your dredging station.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick. Repeat this with all chicken breasts.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden brown crust.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Then, place it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your delicious Parmesan chicken hot with your choice of sides, and don’t forget some marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Enjoy your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse-style Parmesan Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe and will add a bit more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer than breasts to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well.
What Should I Serve With This Chicken?
This Parmesan chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch!
