This Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Chicken is a deliciously crispy and cheesy dish that brings the bold flavors of the restaurant straight to your kitchen. With a crunchy breadcrumb coating, melted mozzarella, and optional marinara topping, this recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Chicken recipe captures the essence of Longhorn Steakhouse’s popular dish with its crispy exterior and cheesy, tender interior. It’s easy to make at home with accessible ingredients and doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special restaurant-style meal, this recipe delivers flavor and elegance with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon dried parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup marinara sauce (optional)
directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
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In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating gently onto the surface to adhere well.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
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Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
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Top each chicken breast with grated mozzarella cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Serve hot, topped with a spoonful of marinara sauce if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking time (including both stovetop and baking steps).
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for a bit of heat.
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Italian Twist: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs and a touch of oregano for a more herbaceous flavor.
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Stuffed Option: Slice the chicken breasts open and stuff with spinach and ricotta before breading.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
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Cheese Blend: Replace mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, though the coating may lose some crispness.
FAQs
What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?
Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work well. For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is the marinara sauce necessary?
The sauce is optional. It adds a nice touch of acidity and moisture but is not essential to the dish.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.
What side dishes pair well with Parmesan chicken?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I bake the chicken without pan-searing?
Yes, but searing gives a better crust and richer flavor. If baking only, increase oven time to 20–25 minutes.
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes from frozen.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Press the coating onto the chicken firmly and avoid flipping it too much during cooking.
What can I use instead of mozzarella?
Provolone, fontina, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s easy to recreate at home. With its crispy coating, gooey cheese topping, and optional marinara flair, it’s a restaurant-quality entrée that works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for entertaining guests. Try it once, and it may just become a regular feature in your meal rotation.
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe – A Restaurant-Style Dish Made at Home
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
Recreate the iconic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Featuring crispy, golden-browned chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and optional marinara, this restaurant-style dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon dried parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
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In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat chicken breasts thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Transfer chicken to prepared baking sheet and top with mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Serve hot with marinara sauce on top, if desired.
Notes
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For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
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Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
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You can broil for the last 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
