If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a star of the menu. With its tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch spread, gooey provolone, and a crispy Parmesan crumb topping, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The good news? You can recreate this mouthwatering dish right in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients and steps. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying meal, this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe will impress every time.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¾ inch thickness
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Ranch Spread:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
For the Parmesan Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade:
Start by combining all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Once well mixed, pour the marinade over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 12-15 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Prepare the Ranch Spread:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the ranch spread. Simply mix ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese with ¼ cup of ranch dressing. Set this mixture aside until the chicken is ready.
3. Prepare the Parmesan Crumb Topping:
Next, prepare the Parmesan crumb topping. In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened, creating a flavorful topping that will add a delightful crunch to your chicken.
4. Assemble and Broil the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, preheat your oven’s broiler and position the oven rack in the center. Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to an oven-safe casserole dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the prepared ranch spread on each chicken breast. Then, top each piece with a generous amount of shredded provolone cheese and the Parmesan crumb topping.
Place the dish under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and the crumb topping turns light golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is perfectly broiled, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Pair this dish with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Pairing Suggestions: This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad. For a more indulgent meal, garlic bread or creamy pasta can complement the flavors well.
- Garnishing: For an added touch of freshness, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavor.
- Wine Pairing: If you’re looking to serve wine with this dish, consider a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines will complement the richness of the chicken without overpowering it.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has completely cooled before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the Parmesan crust.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.
- Avoiding Soggy Crust: To keep the Parmesan crust as crispy as possible when storing leftovers, avoid stacking the chicken pieces on top of each other. Place a piece of parchment paper between them if necessary.
Variations:
1. Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spice up your Parmesan Crusted Chicken by adding some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also mix a bit of hot sauce into the ranch spread for an extra kick. Top the chicken with a slice of spicy pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a zesty twist.
2. Herb-Crusted Chicken:
Enhance the flavor of the Parmesan crust by adding fresh or dried herbs to the crumb topping. Consider mixing in chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil with the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. This variation gives the chicken a fragrant, savory flavor that pairs well with a simple side of roasted vegetables.
3. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
If you’re a garlic lover, this variation is for you. Amp up the garlic flavor by doubling the amount of minced garlic in the marinade. You can also add extra garlic powder to the Parmesan crumb topping for a more intense garlic flavor. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes for a deliciously garlicky meal.
4. Bacon Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Everything is better with bacon! Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the Parmesan crumb topping for a smoky, savory twist. The bacon adds a crispy texture and rich flavor that perfectly complements the creamy ranch spread and melty provolone cheese.
5. Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spinach and Artichokes:
For a more indulgent variation, layer cooked spinach and artichokes on top of the chicken before adding the ranch spread and provolone cheese. This variation mimics the flavors of spinach artichoke dip, making the dish even more decadent and flavorful. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a rich, creamy dish.
6. Gluten-Free Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free panko bread crumbs in the Parmesan crumb topping. Make sure all other ingredients, like the Worcestershire sauce and ranch dressing, are also gluten-free. The result is just as delicious, with a crispy topping and tender chicken.
7. Mediterranean Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Give the dish a Mediterranean twist by adding sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the Parmesan crumb topping. You can also mix some chopped fresh oregano or dill into the ranch spread. This variation adds a burst of tangy, salty flavors that pair beautifully with the grilled chicken.
8. Lemon Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Brighten up the dish with a burst of lemon flavor. Add lemon zest to the Parmesan crumb topping and mix lemon juice into the ranch spread. Serve the chicken with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, and consider pairing it with a light lemony pasta or a fresh citrus salad.
FAQs:
- Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?Yes, you can bake the chicken if you prefer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After baking, follow the assembly instructions to add the ranch spread, provolone cheese, and Parmesan crumb topping, then broil until golden brown.
- Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?Absolutely! While provolone adds a mild, creamy flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar cheese for a different taste. Each cheese will give the dish a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
- How long can I marinate the chicken?You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2-3 hours, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate it overnight. Marinating for up to 24 hours allows the chicken to absorb the marinade fully, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Can I make the Parmesan crumb topping in advance?Yes, you can prepare the Parmesan crumb topping ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply sprinkle it over the chicken before broiling.
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings the restaurant-quality dish right to your table. With its marinated, grilled chicken breast, rich ranch spread, melty provolone, and crispy Parmesan topping, every bite is a flavor explosion. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the taste of Longhorn Steakhouse from the comfort of your home, and don’t be surprised when your guests ask for seconds!