Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy, Cheesy Copycat Recipe
Recreate the famous Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe that delivers the same crispy, golden crust and gooey cheese topping you love. This restaurant-quality dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture, topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella, and finished with a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re craving a taste of Longhorn Steakhouse or looking for an impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe will become a family favorite.
The secret to this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb coating, followed by juicy chicken and a creamy blanket of melted cheese. The tangy marinara sauce adds brightness to cut through the richness, creating a harmonious dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can enjoy this steakhouse classic without leaving your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory Parmesan and garlic notes blend with sweet marinara for a balanced taste that’s rich yet refreshing.
- Texture: Crispy breadcrumb exterior gives way to tender chicken and melted cheese for perfect mouthfeel contrast.
- Aroma: Garlic, herbs, and toasting cheese create an irresistible fragrance that fills your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown crust with bubbling cheese and vibrant red sauce makes for stunning presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques like breading and pan-frying.
- Special Equipment: Requires basic kitchen tools – skillet, baking sheet, and meat mallet.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels, with straightforward steps that yield impressive results. The breading process is simple, and the cooking method combines stovetop and oven techniques for foolproof execution.
- Category: Perfect as a main course for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests. Works well for both casual meals and special occasions.
- Cuisine: American-Italian fusion, inspired by steakhouse favorites with Italian flavor influences.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using common pantry staples and affordable chicken breasts.
- Season: Excellent year-round, but particularly comforting during cooler months.
- Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want restaurant-quality food at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The taste and texture of this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken will transport you straight to your favorite steakhouse. The combination of crispy breading, juicy chicken, and melted cheese creates a symphony of textures, while the garlic-Parmesan seasoning and marinara sauce deliver bold, satisfying flavors. Unlike many chicken dishes that dry out, this method ensures perfectly cooked, moist chicken every time.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and the preparation comes together quickly. You can even prep components ahead of time for faster weeknight meals. The dish looks impressive enough for company but is simple enough for regular family dinners.
Nutritionally, this Parmesan crusted chicken provides a good source of lean protein. By controlling the ingredients at home, you can adjust the recipe to be lighter or richer based on your preferences. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition goals.
For entertaining, this dish shines as a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children. The beautiful presentation makes it special enough for dinner parties, while the familiar flavors ensure broad appeal. It’s also versatile enough to pair with various sides, from pasta to potatoes to vegetables.
Cost-wise, making this Longhorn Steakhouse copycat at home saves significant money compared to dining out. Chicken breasts are an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples you may already have on hand. The recipe scales easily for larger groups without compromising quality.
The Recipe
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan 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
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 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 breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to prepared baking sheet. Top each piece with 2 tablespoons marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
- Leftovers store well in refrigerator for up to 3 days.