Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Recreating a Restaurant Favorite at Home

Have you ever been to Longhorn Steakhouse and had their mouthwatering Parmesan Crusted Chicken? It’s a dish that sticks with you—the crispy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy chicken that just melts in your mouth. It’s one of those dishes that you can’t help but crave after every visit. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to make a trip to the restaurant to enjoy it. With this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, you can recreate those same rich, savory flavors right in your own kitchen.

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If you’re a beginner cook, this recipe is ideal for you. It’s simple, flavorful, and doesn’t require any advanced cooking techniques. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation doesn’t take hours. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this chicken dish will impress anyone you serve it to. The best part is that it’s incredibly satisfying to make, and you’ll feel like a professional chef once you get that crispy, golden crust on your chicken.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire recipe, from ingredients and preparation to troubleshooting tips and serving suggestions. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s important to have everything ready to go. Here’s the ingredient list you’ll need to make this flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced Provolone cheese (about 4 slices)
• 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins (For Extra Flavor):

• Dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil
• A pinch of garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large ovenproof skillet (cast iron works best for even heat distribution)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for stirring the crust mixture
• Knife for slicing and garnishing
• Oven with broiler function (optional for extra crispiness)

Now that you have your ingredients and tools, we can jump right into the cooking process. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, so you’ll find each step manageable and easy to follow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The oven will need to be at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken later on, so setting it up first ensures everything runs smoothly.

Next, it’s time to season your chicken. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, which is important for the seasonings to stick well and for getting a nice sear on the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You want to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning for a burst of flavor in every bite. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Now, heat a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. You’ll want to let the oil heat up until it shimmers, which indicates it’s ready for searing the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. Don’t rush this process—getting a good sear on both sides is key to locking in the chicken’s flavor and moisture. You want that crispy, golden exterior, which will contrast beautifully with the tender meat inside.

As you sear the chicken, remember that it won’t be fully cooked through at this point. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t worry about getting it all the way done on the stove. Once both sides of the chicken are beautifully seared, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. Let the chicken rest for a moment while you prepare the Parmesan crust.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust

Now comes the fun part—the Parmesan crust! In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but should also stick together when pressed. This is what will form the golden, crispy layer on top of the chicken.

For extra flavor, you can mix in some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil. If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. These optional add-ins are perfect for making the dish your own and adding layers of flavor.

Once the crust mixture is ready, place one slice of Provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast. The heat from the seared chicken will start to melt the cheese slightly. Next, evenly distribute the Parmesan-Panko mixture over the Provolone slices, pressing it down gently to help it adhere. This cheesy, crispy layer will form the base of the crust, giving your chicken that signature Longhorn flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

It’s time to transfer the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is golden brown. If you want an even crispier topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to prevent the crust from burning.

When the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To add a touch of color and freshness, garnish the chicken with chopped parsley. It’s optional, but it’s a great way to elevate the dish visually. The bright green parsley contrasts beautifully with the golden, crispy crust.

Serve the chicken immediately while it’s still warm, and be sure to enjoy it with your favorite sides. Whether you go for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple Caesar salad, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken will pair perfectly with just about anything.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Searing the Chicken: If the chicken sticks to the skillet when you try to flip it, don’t force it. Give it a little more time on the first side. The chicken will naturally release from the skillet when it’s ready to flip. If you’re worried about overcooking, you can always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
2. Making the Crust: The Parmesan-Panko mixture is what gives this dish its crispy, golden crust. If you prefer a thicker crust, you can increase the amount of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Just make sure to adjust the melted butter to keep the mixture sticky enough to form a crust.
3. Cheese Substitutions: If you don’t have Provolone cheese, mozzarella can be used as a substitute. While Provolone gives a slightly sharper flavor, mozzarella will still melt beautifully and work well with the Parmesan crust.
4. Broiling for Extra Crispiness: If you want that perfect, extra-crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning the crust. This step adds a nice crunch and takes the dish to the next level.
5. Meal Prep: You can prepare the chicken up to the point of adding the crust and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake it in the oven as directed. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for preparing ahead of time for a dinner party.

Serving Suggestions

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for creating the perfect meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. For an extra flavorful twist, try mixing roasted garlic or Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers are a great complement to the chicken. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances the savory, cheesy chicken.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, crisp croutons, and a creamy dressing is the perfect side to accompany the chicken. It adds a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the Parmesan crust.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the chicken with some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra cheese and sauce. It’s the perfect indulgence to complete the meal.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully. Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust. If you’re looking to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The crispy Parmesan crust, combined with the tender chicken and melted Provolone cheese, makes every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re making this for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out for you. I’d love to hear about any twists you added or tips that helped make the dish even better. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this crispy, cheesy chicken!