Craving restaurant-style chicken without leaving your kitchen? This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is crispy, juicy, and smothered with cheesy goodness. Imagine golden-brown breaded chicken breasts coated with Parmesan and mozzarella, baked to perfection, and bursting with savory Italian flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or a family-friendly dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite.
With its crunchy breadcrumb coating and gooey cheese topping, this recipe hits every craving. Whether you’re looking for cheesy dinner recipes, crowd-pleasing comfort food, or easy weeknight meals, this Parmesan chicken checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
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Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip takeout and enjoy a steakhouse favorite in your own kitchen.
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Cheesy and Crispy: A perfect balance of gooey mozzarella and golden breadcrumbs.
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Family-Friendly: A dish everyone at the table will request again and again.
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Easy Weeknight Dinner: Prep takes minutes, and the oven does the rest.
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Versatile: Pairs with pasta, salad, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well for leftovers or lunch the next day.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and why they matter:
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Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and lean protein. Pound to even thickness for perfect results.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps create a crisp crust.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that irresistible cheesy pull.
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Breadcrumbs: Provide crunch and structure in the coating. Use Italian-style for extra flavor.
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Flour: Helps the egg mixture cling to the chicken and ensures an even coating.
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Eggs + Milk: Act as the glue that binds the breading to the chicken.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts flavor with aromatic depth.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that enhances the savory profile.
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Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
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Olive Oil: Used for browning the chicken before baking, ensuring a crispy crust without drying out the meat.
Pro Tips
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Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensures each breast cooks at the same rate.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches so the crust crisps instead of steaming.
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Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan gives better flavor and texture.
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Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
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Let Rest Before Serving: This keeps the juices locked inside for tender chicken.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and crushed rinds instead of flour and breadcrumbs.
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Cheese Swap: Try provolone, asiago, or cheddar for a new flavor twist.
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Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
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Herb Upgrade: Mix in fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary for a fresher flavor.
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Protein Swap: Make with turkey cutlets or thin chops instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Style: Serve with pasta and marinara sauce for a cheesy Italian-inspired dinner.
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Low-Carb Option: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli.
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Comfort Food: Add creamy mashed potatoes and garlic bread for a hearty meal.
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Party Food: Slice chicken into strips and serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep Ahead: Bread chicken and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking.
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Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Best reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze breaded but uncooked chicken for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Cultural Notes
Parmesan chicken is a spin on the classic Italian-American favorite, chicken Parmesan (or chicken Parmigiana). Longhorn Steakhouse put their own twist on this classic, making it a standout menu item that combines homestyle comfort food with steakhouse indulgence. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when layered with care, create unforgettable flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken first?
Yes, you can bake directly after breading, but pan-frying first ensures a crispier crust and richer flavor.
2. What’s the best breadcrumb type to use?
Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal, but panko breadcrumbs create an extra crunchy texture.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear.
4. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just fry chicken in batches and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the crispy breading and cheesy topping, making it a family dinner favorite.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness if needed.
- Set up three shallow bowls: flour with salt and pepper; eggs whisked with milk; and bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer browned chicken to the baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with salad or vegetables.
