Are you craving a crispy, flavorful chicken dinner just like the one from Longhorn Steakhouse? You’re in luck! In this guide, we’re walking you through the ultimate Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make at home, and you’ll soon impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started, this recipe will give you all the tools to create a crispy, golden crust on tender chicken breasts. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to help you avoid common cooking mistakes and troubleshoot any issues you might encounter along the way.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you’ve ever visited Longhorn Steakhouse, you know their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of the most popular menu items. It’s an unforgettable dish with a crunchy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for a hearty meal. But here’s the kicker: you can recreate it at home! 👨‍🍳
This recipe will guide you through every step, from prepping the ingredients to serving up a perfectly crisp and savory chicken dish that tastes just like Longhorn’s version. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert at making Parmesan crusted chicken at home, ready to wow your dinner guests or satisfy your own cravings.
What Makes Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Special?
What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the combination of crispy, golden breading and rich, cheesy flavor. The chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s not just a regular breaded chicken—this recipe uses a Parmesan crust, which adds depth and richness that elevates the whole dish. 🌟
The secret to making it just right lies in balancing the ingredients and cooking methods. But don’t worry—we’ll break it all down for you, step by step.
Key Ingredients for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Before we get into the instructions, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of key ingredients to prepare for the recipe:
Essential Ingredients for the Crust
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! It provides that signature sharp, tangy flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the crust an extra crunch, while regular breadcrumbs can also work in a pinch.
- Eggs: Used to help bind the breading to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: For added flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that adds that classic Italian touch to the crust.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For frying and helping the crust get golden and crispy.
Choosing the Right Chicken for the Recipe
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are tender and cook quickly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result, but breasts are the traditional choice.
For the Chicken
- Flour: Helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Again, you’ll need it for both the crust and the stuffing, so be sure to have plenty!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this delicious dish! From preparing the chicken to achieving that perfect crispy crust, follow along, and you’ll have your dish ready in no time. It’s simpler than you think!
Preparing the Chicken and Coating
- Prep the Chicken: Start by gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more uniformly, ensuring it’s tender and juicy. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the thick parts so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This ensures that your chicken has flavor all the way through.
- Set Up the Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, add flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge the Chicken: Start by dredging each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the chicken into the egg wash. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. Repeat this for all the chicken breasts.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Parmesan Crust
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Don’t overcrowd the pan! You want to give each piece enough room to cook evenly and get crispy. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.Tip: If the crust is getting too dark too quickly, lower the heat slightly. The chicken needs time to cook through without burning the crust.
- Finish in the Oven (Optional): For an extra crispy finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is cooked all the way through without losing that crispy outer layer.
The Right Temperature and Timing for Baking
If you decide to finish the chicken in the oven, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F when done. This guarantees that your chicken is perfectly cooked—juicy on the inside while maintaining that crispy crust.
Tips for Achieving a Perfect Parmesan Crust
To make sure your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out crispy and golden every time, here are a few pro tips that can elevate the dish to the next level. These tips will help you avoid common issues like soggy crusts or uneven cooking.
- Proper Breading Technique: Ensure the breading sticks well by pressing down firmly.
- Chill the Chicken: Let the breaded chicken rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before frying or baking.
Need more help with perfecting your breading? Try our guide to making Irresistible Wafer Cookies.
How to Prevent the Breading from Falling Off
Have you ever dredged chicken, only for the breading to slide off during cooking? It’s a frustrating problem, but don’t worry—there are a few tricks to get the breading to stick.
- Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning the chicken, make sure it’s dry. Excess moisture on the chicken will cause the breading to slide off. Pat the chicken with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Proper Breading Technique: When dipping the chicken into the breadcrumbs, press down firmly to ensure the crumbs adhere. If the breading isn’t sticking well, try adding a little more egg wash or breadcrumbs.
- Chill the Chicken: After breading, place the chicken in the fridge for about 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the breading to firm up, which will help it stay intact while frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re cooking multiple pieces of chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Leave enough room between the chicken breasts so that the heat circulates evenly, which helps the crust stay crispy.
Using Panko vs. Regular Bread Crumbs: Which is Better?
You might wonder whether to use panko breadcrumbs or traditional breadcrumbs for this recipe. While both options work, panko breadcrumbs are the superior choice for achieving a super crispy crust.
Panko is made from coarser bread crumbs, which absorb less oil and give a lighter, crispier texture when fried. On the other hand, regular breadcrumbs can create a denser crust. So, if you’re after that perfect, crispy crunch, go with panko!
How to Get the Perfect Balance of Flavor
The Parmesan cheese isn’t just for the crust—it’s also part of the seasoning! The combination of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan adds layers of flavor that really make this dish stand out. If you’re looking for a slightly bolder flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the breading mixture. This will add a subtle heat and extra depth.
Common Problems and Solutions in Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go according to plan. But don’t worry—there are always solutions! Here’s a list of common problems and easy fixes to help you troubleshoot as you make your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Problem: Breading Doesn’t Stick
This is one of the most common issues with breaded chicken. If your breading is sliding off or just not sticking, here’s how to fix it:
- Ensure the Chicken is Dry: Excess moisture is the enemy of breading. Always dry the chicken with paper towels before you start.
- Chill the Chicken After Breading: After breading the chicken, let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
- Double Breading: For extra crunch and sticking power, you can double bread the chicken. Coat the chicken in flour, dip it in egg wash, then coat it in breadcrumbs, dip it back in egg wash, and coat it one more time in breadcrumbs.
Problem: Parmesan Crust Turns Soggy
A soggy crust can really ruin a dish. No one wants to bite into their chicken only to find that the crispy outer layer has turned mushy. Here are some tips to prevent that:
- Use Enough Oil: If you’re frying the chicken, make sure there’s enough oil in the pan. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chicken quickly but not so hot that it burns the crust. Aim for a medium-high heat.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking too many pieces of chicken at once lowers the temperature of the oil, which can result in a soggy crust.
- Bake for a Crispier Finish: If you want a crispy crust that holds up, bake the chicken after frying. The oven’s dry heat helps the breading set and become even crispier.
Problem: Chicken Turns Out Dry
Dry chicken is a common issue when cooking chicken breasts. The key is to maintain moisture while achieving a crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The most likely reason chicken turns dry is overcooking. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use Thicker Chicken Breasts: If you use thinner chicken breasts, they may cook too quickly, leading to dryness. If you have thin pieces, consider using a lower heat or pounding them out to a uniform thickness.
- Moisture from the Egg Wash: The egg wash helps to lock in moisture while the chicken cooks. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the egg before moving on to the breadcrumb stage.
Nutrition Facts of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish is undeniably delicious, but how does it stack up nutritionally? Let’s break down the nutritional content of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken to give you an idea of what you’re eating.
Caloric Content and Macronutrients
The nutritional value of the dish can vary depending on the portion size and the ingredients used. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (1 chicken breast):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 kcal |
| Protein | 43g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
While this dish is a bit higher in fat and calories due to the breading and frying process, it also packs a punch of protein. If you’re looking to cut back on calories or fat, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it.
Is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Healthy?
The healthiness of any dish depends on your dietary goals and how it’s prepared. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken can fit into a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. For a healthier version:
- Bake Instead of Fry: Baking the chicken instead of frying will reduce the amount of fat and calories.
- Use Less Oil: You can also reduce the oil used in frying by opting for an air fryer, which can still achieve crispy results without the extra fat.
- Pair with Vegetables: Serving this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad can help balance out the meal and add more nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As with any popular dish, there are a lot of questions that come up when preparing Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones and clear up any confusion.
How Much is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Longhorn?
The price of Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken can vary depending on the location, but typically it costs around $18 to $22 for the entrée. It’s an affordable yet indulgent option, especially if you’re looking for a rich, satisfying meal. However, if you’re making this dish at home, you can enjoy it for a fraction of the cost, with leftovers to spare!
What is the Difference Between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
You might have noticed both Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana being used interchangeably, but they refer to essentially the same dish. The difference comes from regional preferences.
- Chicken Parmesan: The Americanized version, often served with pasta or on a sandwich.
- Chicken Parmigiana: The original Italian version, which typically uses a thinly breaded chicken breast, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
The primary distinction lies in the terminology and, sometimes, the way the dish is presented. Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken would technically be closer to a Chicken Parmesan because it uses a crispy breading rather than marinara sauce or mozzarella.
What Are the Best Sides to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
You can serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For more ideas, try our Earl Grey Cookies Recipe, which pairs perfectly with a meal like this.
How Do You Make Chicken Crispy Without Deep Frying?
If you want to avoid deep frying but still want that crispy texture, baking is a great option. Here’s how you can do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken as usual, coating it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased rack to allow air circulation.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
This method gives you crispy results without the added oil, making it a healthier alternative.
Can I Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Here’s how:
- Bread the chicken as per the instructions.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet or tray and cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, follow the frying or baking instructions as usual.
This is a great way to meal prep for a busy week, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort on the day you cook it.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
There you have it—a complete guide to making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving that crispy, cheesy crust or simply looking to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade meal, this recipe has everything you need. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds singing, and you’ll never want to order takeout again!
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a dish that’s just as good—if not better—than the one served at Longhorn Steakhouse. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself!
Summary of Recipe Highlights
- Perfectly crispy, golden crust: Thanks to the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture.
- Tender, juicy chicken: With a little care, you’ll keep your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to create a restaurant-quality dish.
- Healthy modifications: Bake the chicken instead of frying to lower the calorie count.
- FAQs addressed: All your burning questions about the recipe, nutrition, and more have been answered!
Final Tips for a Successful Dish
To truly perfect your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, remember:
- Take your time: Don’t rush through the breading process, and be sure to cook the chicken at the right temperature.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and cheese to suit your tastes.
- Serve with fresh sides: Pair the chicken with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Enjoy your cooking, and here’s to many delicious meals to come!