Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Craving the delectable flavors of Longhorn’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken but don’t want to leave the house? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Tender, marinated chicken breasts are seared to perfection and topped with a creamy, cheesy crust that is sure to delight your taste buds. Paired with mashed potatoes, this dish makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

  • Chicken:
    • 4 skinless/boneless chicken breasts
    • Salt/Pepper, to taste
    • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Marinade (Shortcut- Use Italian Salad Dressing):
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ⅓ cup ranch dressing
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Parmesan Crust:
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits
    • ½ cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits
    • 6 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch salad dressing (regular Ranch is fine as well)
    • 4 tablespoons melted butter
    • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    • Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well-combined and uniform in consistency.
    • Place the chicken in a gallon freezer bag, remove the air, and seal. Use a meat tenderizer to pound it to about 1/2 inch thick. Note: It will plump up more when cooked.
    • Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
    • Place the chicken in a new freezer bag and add the marinade. Seal out the air and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.
  2. Sear the Chicken
    • Heat 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. (A cast iron skillet will provide the best sear.)
    • Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes. Refrain from moving the chicken around as it sizzles, as it will hinder the nice golden sear color. If the pan gets too hot, reduce the heat to medium.
    • Once each side is a nice, golden brown and the middle is cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean skillet or baking sheet and tent with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the Parmesan crust.

Add the Parmesan Crust:

  1. Prepare the Crust Mixture
    • Preheat the oven to a low broil (450°F).
    • Combine Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing. Stir to combine and microwave in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. (A little bit of a lumpy consistency is okay.)
    • Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs. Stir it into the warm cheese mixture and add it to the top of the chicken.
  2. Broil the Chicken
    • Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top begins to brown slightly. (Watch it closely during this time.)
  3. Serve and Enjoy
    • Serve with mashed potatoes and enjoy your homemade Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

  • Serves 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Side Dishes
    • Pair the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
    • Consider adding a side of garlic bread or roasted asparagus to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
  2. Garnishing
    • Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and enhance the presentation.
    • A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also add a delightful touch.
  3. Sauces
    • Serve with a side of ranch or Caesar dressing for extra dipping.
    • A drizzle of balsamic glaze can provide a nice contrast to the savory chicken.
  4. Presentation
    • Arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving platter with the side dishes surrounding them for an appealing presentation.
    • Use a clean, white plate to make the colors of the dish stand out.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration
    • Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    • Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before storing to maintain its quality and prevent moisture buildup.
  2. Freezing
    • For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
    • Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
  3. Reheating
    • To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
    • Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken soggy and lose its crispy texture.
  4. Reheating from Frozen
    • If reheating from frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the same reheating instructions as above once thawed.
    • For a quicker option, you can reheat directly from frozen in the oven, but it will take about 25-30 minutes.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken remains delicious and enjoyable, even as leftovers.

Variations:

  1. Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder to the Parmesan crust mixture.
    • Directions: Mix garlic powder into the Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing mixture. Proceed with the original recipe.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of garlic butter dipping sauce for an extra burst of garlic flavor.
  2. Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan crust mixture.
    • Directions: Stir red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture before spreading it on the chicken. Follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
    • Serving Tip: Pair with a cooling ranch or yogurt dip to balance the spiciness.
  3. Herb Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Parmesan crust mixture.
    • Directions: Mix the herbs into the cheese and Ranch dressing mixture. Continue with the recipe as directed.
    • Serving Tip: Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
  4. BBQ Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Mix 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce into the Ranch dressing before combining with the cheeses.
    • Directions: Combine BBQ sauce with the Ranch dressing, then mix with Parmesan and Provolone cheeses. Apply to the chicken and broil as instructed.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of coleslaw or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
  5. Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the Parmesan crust mixture.
    • Directions: Stir lemon zest into the cheese mixture before applying to the chicken.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a light lemon vinaigrette salad or roasted lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
  6. Bacon Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon to the Parmesan crust mixture.
    • Directions: Mix crumbled bacon into the cheese and Ranch dressing mixture. Follow the original recipe for cooking.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of creamy bacon ranch dressing or a simple green salad.
  7. Mustard Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the Ranch dressing.
    • Directions: Mix Dijon mustard into the Ranch dressing before combining with Parmesan and Provolone cheeses. Proceed with the recipe as usual.
    • Serving Tip: Pair with a tangy mustard-based dipping sauce or a fresh cucumber salad.
  8. Pesto Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    • Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce to the Ranch dressing.
    • Directions: Combine pesto sauce with Ranch dressing before mixing with Parmesan and Provolone cheeses. Apply to the chicken and broil.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of pasta or a Caprese salad for an Italian-inspired meal.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prepare the Parmesan crust mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to apply it just before broiling for the freshest results.
  3. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
    • Absolutely! Store-bought ranch dressing works fine. If you prefer, you can also use homemade ranch dressing for a more personalized flavor.
  4. How do I ensure the Parmesan crust stays crispy?
    • To maintain the crispy texture of the Parmesan crust, avoid covering the chicken with foil during broiling and try not to overcrowd the pan. Serve the chicken immediately after broiling for the best texture.
  5. Can I freeze the Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  6. What can I substitute for Provolone cheese?
    • You can substitute Provolone with mozzarella cheese, Gouda, or any other mild, melting cheese that you prefer.

With this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, you can enjoy the rich and savory flavors of a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, a perfect sear, and a creamy, cheesy crust is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Give it a try and elevate your home dining experience to the next level!