This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to impress your family! It’s made with tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a crispy crust.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both cheesy and crunchy? I love serving this with some pasta or fresh veggies. It’s like a restaurant meal at home—no need for fancy clothes! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish as they’re juicy and cook evenly. You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives flavor and a nice texture. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute, offering a sharper taste, or try a combination of Parmesan and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Bread Crumbs: I like Italian-style bread crumbs for extra flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use regular bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasonings or even crushed crackers for a different crunch.
Marinara Sauce: Using store-bought marinara makes prep easy, but homemade is always a treat! A good jar of pasta sauce can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
How Can I Get the Chicken Coating Crispy?
A crispy coating is key to this dish, and it all starts with proper breading. First, make sure to pound your chicken breasts evenly so they cook consistently. Here’s how to ensure perfect crunch:
- Use a well-seasoned flour for dredging to add flavor to the coating.
- Press the breading mix firmly onto the chicken; double-dipping can help if you want extra crunch!
- Fry on medium-high heat for a short time to achieve that golden color before transferring to the oven—this locks in the moisture and flavor.
Don’t rush the frying; letting the chicken brown properly ensures that perfect crunch we all love!
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Frying and Topping:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 45-50 minutes to create this delectable dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly! After this, season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Now, let’s get our breading station ready! In three shallow bowls, place the following: in the first, put the flour; in the second, beat the eggs and mix in the water; and in the third, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, and paprika.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then press it into the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture until it’s well-covered. Don’t forget to press firmly so the coating sticks well!
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan, frying them until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish when done.
5. Add Marinara and Cheese:
Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast in the baking dish. After that, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, drizzle melted butter over the cheese for extra flavor.
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like. Serve warm with your favorite sides such as pasta, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad. Enjoy your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken!
FAQ: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. There are plenty of gluten-free breading options available, or you can even use crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture, rather than using a microwave.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying and baking. Just ensure that it’s covered tightly to prevent drying out. When ready to cook, follow the frying and baking steps as usual!
