This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious, restaurant-style dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. With perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch-Parmesan spread and a crispy Parmesan crust, this dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For the Ranch Spread:
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Ranch Spread
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust
In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly topping.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken
Place the partially cooked chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet). Spread the ranch-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Then, spoon the Parmesan crust mixture on top of the ranch spread, pressing down lightly to adhere.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Notes:
- Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Cheese Blend: If you can’t find provolone cheese, mozzarella is a good substitute, providing a similarly mild and melty texture.
- Crispier Topping: For an extra crispy Parmesan crust, place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Variations:
1. Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a little heat.
2. Herb Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Mix in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the Parmesan crust for an herbaceous flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the panko to make this dish gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispness of the Parmesan crust.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and assemble the Parmesan crust ahead of time. Store the prepared chicken in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and impressive dish that’s easy to make at home. The juicy chicken, creamy ranch-Parmesan spread, and crunchy cheesy crust come together to create a restaurant-quality meal that your family will love. Perfect for any night of the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out today and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness!
