Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home
Bring the bold flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your dinner table with this irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. This copycat version perfectly replicates the restaurant’s famous dish, featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, crispy parmesan crust that’s bursting with savory Italian flavors. The combination of rich parmesan cheese, zesty seasonings, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that will have your family asking for seconds.
What makes this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken so special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The exterior forms a beautifully crisp crust that gives way to succulent, perfectly cooked chicken inside. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese wafting from your oven will transport you straight to your favorite steakhouse. Best of all, this restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with garlic and Italian herbs for a rich, umami-packed taste that’s balanced with a hint of lemon brightness.
- Texture: The chicken develops an irresistible crispy crust while remaining incredibly juicy and tender inside – the perfect contrast that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Aroma: As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering scents of toasting parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs that signal a delicious meal is coming.
- Visual Appeal: The golden-brown crust creates an impressive presentation that looks restaurant-worthy, especially when garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Skill Level Needed: This recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward techniques that anyone can master for perfect results every time.
- Special Equipment: All you need are basic kitchen tools – a meat mallet, mixing bowls, and a reliable oven-safe skillet.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Rated easy because it uses simple techniques like breading and pan-searing that home cooks of all levels can execute successfully with our detailed instructions.
- Category: Perfect as a main course for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep – it’s versatile enough for any dining situation.
- Cuisine: While inspired by an American steakhouse dish, the flavors draw from Italian culinary traditions with its parmesan and herb profile.
- Cost: Affordable to make at about $2.50 per serving compared to $18+ at the restaurant, using common pantry staples and fresh chicken.
- Season: Excellent year-round but particularly comforting in cooler months when rich, hearty flavors are most appreciated.
- Occasion: Impressive enough for date nights and dinner parties but simple enough for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
The first bite of this Parmesan Crusted Chicken will convince you it’s worth making again and again. The crispy, cheesy exterior gives way to incredibly juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Unlike some chicken dishes that dry out easily, our method ensures perfect doneness every time. The golden crust stays remarkably crisp even after resting, making it ideal for serving to guests or packing for lunches.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. With just 15 minutes of active prep time, you can have this impressive dish on the table in about half an hour. The ingredients are simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand, eliminating last-minute grocery runs. Cleanup is minimal since everything comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Nutritionally, this dish offers a great balance of lean protein from the chicken and calcium from the parmesan cheese. By controlling the ingredients at home, you can adjust the salt content and use high-quality cheeses and olive oil for a healthier version than the restaurant original. The protein-packed chicken will keep you satisfied while the crispy crust satisfies those comfort food cravings in a more balanced way.
For entertaining, this Longhorn copycat recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks far more impressive than the effort required. The beautiful golden crust makes it perfect for special occasions, while the familiar flavors appeal to both kids and adults. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize the meal for different dietary preferences among your guests.
Cost-conscious cooks will appreciate how this recipe delivers steakhouse quality at a fraction of the price. A single serving at Longhorn costs more than the entire homemade version, making this an economical way to enjoy restaurant flavors regularly. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, with no special equipment needed beyond basic kitchen tools.
The Recipe
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- 3 shallow bowls
- Oven-safe skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In one shallow bowl, combine flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In second bowl, whisk eggs with water. In third bowl, mix panko, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges and sprinkled with fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Substitute gluten-free panko and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Freshly grated parmesan works better than pre-shredded for optimal texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days – reheat in oven to maintain crispness.