The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delectable dish inspired by the popular recipe from Longhorn Steakhouse. This crispy, cheesy chicken is coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust that turns every bite into a savory delight. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together the best of tender chicken breasts and a crunchy, golden coating. Whether served with mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or steamed vegetables, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation steps, and variations to make the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken right in your own kitchen. You’ll also find helpful tips and nutritional information to make this recipe even more satisfying.

Let’s get started!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before diving into making the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it’s important to gather all the necessary equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 large shallow bowls for breading the chicken
Frying pan or skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron) for frying the chicken
Baking sheet (if baking in the oven)
Meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts (optional)
Meat thermometer to check the internal temperature
Tongs or spatula for flipping the chicken
Paper towels to drain excess oil
Grater for fresh Parmesan cheese (if not using pre-grated)
Large mixing bowl for the breading mixture

Once you’ve assembled all these tools, you’re ready to begin!

What Do You Need to Prepare Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to make the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is preferred)
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil (for frying)
2 tablespoons of butter (optional for extra crispiness)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

This combination of ingredients creates the perfect crispy crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.

How to Make Easy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Step-by-Step?

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps for preparing this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, use a meat mallet to gently flatten them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be the coating for your chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well to the chicken.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.

Step 5: Optional – Add Butter for Extra Crispiness

For an added layer of flavor, you can melt the butter in the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken to add richness and an extra crispy finish.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Variations

While the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is amazing on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste.

Parmesan and Herb Variation: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, to add a stretchier, gooier texture to the crust. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your Parmesan crust a delicious heat that balances well with the cheese.
Air Fryer Version: For a healthier alternative, try cooking the Parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer. Simply spray the chicken with a light coat of cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Baked Version: Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs, while still enjoying that crispy, cheesy flavor.

Cooking Note

When making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, there are a few important cooking notes to keep in mind to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy and tender.

Ensure the Oil Is Hot: Before adding the chicken to the skillet, make sure the oil is hot enough. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and ensures a crispy crust. If the oil is too cold, the breading will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking more than one chicken breast at a time, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the chicken to steam rather than fry, resulting in a less crispy coating. Cook in batches if necessary.
Rest After Cooking: After frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the crispy chicken. You can even top them with some of the Parmesan breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Parmesan-crusted chicken. The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons are the perfect accompaniment.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root vegetables make a healthy and colorful side that pairs well with the chicken.
Garlic Bread: If you want to go all out, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices from the chicken.

These sides will elevate your meal, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.

Helpful Tips

To ensure the best results when making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in flavor. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes be too dry and doesn’t melt as well, so opt for fresh when possible.
Season the Chicken: Don’t forget to season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper before breading them. This ensures the meat itself is flavorful, not just the crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs: If you want an extra crunchy texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko provides a light, crispy coating that gives the chicken more crunch.
Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a minute or two to lock in the juices. Cutting into it immediately may cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry chicken.
Reheat with Care: If you have leftovers, reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than in the microwave. This will help maintain the crispy crust without making it soggy.

Tips for the Best Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To make the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken truly exceptional, follow these tips:

Double Coat the Chicken: For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken into the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice. This ensures a thicker, crunchier coating that holds up well during frying.
Fry in Small Batches: Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, which could result in greasy chicken. Keep the oil at a steady temperature for the best crisp.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture enhances the flavor and adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Finish with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors of the crispy chicken and balances the richness of the Parmesan.

Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

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FAQs

Can I make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to cook it within a day or two for the best texture.

Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I serve with Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are all great options to serve alongside this dish.

Conclusion

The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With its crispy Parmesan crust and juicy chicken, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Try it today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!