If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe has got you covered. This dish combines tender, well-seasoned chicken breasts with a rich layering of Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses, finished with a creamy ranch dressing and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Every element works together to create a truly irresistible comfort meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe nails the perfect balance of flavors you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes start with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple yet delivers layers of flavor and texture that make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe so special. Each component plays a key role, from the cheese medley bringing richness to the ranch dressing’s tangy creaminess, while the spices add just the right amount of warmth.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Flattened evenly, they ensure juicy, consistent cooking.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a signature Parmesan crust.
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese: Brings a smooth, slightly smoky depth to the cheese blend.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy stretch.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese: Injects a bold, tangy kick to elevate the flavor profile.
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing: Provides moisture and a subtle herbaceous tang that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crispy top layer and texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs a savory, aromatic punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent nuance.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings smokiness and mild warmth, enhancing the crust’s color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to brighten all the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness; this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices create the wonderful base flavors that will shine through the cheesy, creamy toppings.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place your chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor you won’t want to skip. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—your kitchen will already be smelling amazing!
Step 3: Combine the Cheeses
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. This careful blend balances sharpness, creaminess, and meltability, guaranteeing each bite is loaded with cheesy goodness. It’s the heart of the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Place your seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread a generous spoonful of creamy ranch dressing over each piece—it adds moisture and that signature tangy note. Then, sprinkle the mixed cheeses evenly on top, followed by a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese topping is deliciously melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add just the right pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of this dish. A light drizzle of extra ranch dressing or a squeeze of lemon can enhance flavors even more. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a mild kick.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Chicken pairs so well with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery steamed vegetables, which soak up all those delicious juices. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus brings brightness and texture to the meal. No matter the side, you’ll create a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this chicken over a bed of garlic-infused pasta or creamy risotto to make it a hearty feast. You can also slice the chicken and pile it on crusty bread for a gourmet sandwich that will impress family and friends. Another idea? Use it as a protein-packed topping for a colorful grain bowl loaded with veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, wrap leftover chicken tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe any time, it freezes beautifully. Just cool the chicken completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a delicious homemade option ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese gooey. Alternatively, microwaving covered on medium power works fine for a quicker option, but you might lose a bit of that original crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses if I don’t have Romano or provolone?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other Italian cheeses like Asiago or even a bit of cheddar for a twist. The key is to maintain a balance of sharp and melty cheeses to keep the dish flavorful and moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, yes! Just swap out the seasoned breadcrumbs and ranch dressing for gluten-free versions, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this chicken ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the cheeses and breadcrumbs, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy days or entertaining.
What is the best way to flatten chicken breasts evenly?
Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin, placing the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Gently pound from the center outwards until uniform thickness is achieved. This ensures even cooking without drying out.
Can I broil the chicken for extra crispiness?
Definitely! Just broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese and breadcrumbs turn golden without burning. This little trick adds a fantastic crunch.
Final Thoughts
Making the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience, especially when you see how simple ingredients combine to create something that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence to your table. So don’t hesitate – grab those fresh ingredients, and get ready to wow your taste buds and your loved ones alike with this unforgettable cheesy, crispy delight!
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a deliciously cheesy and crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a blend of Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses, finished with a creamy ranch dressing and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfectly seared and baked to golden perfection, this main course is rich, flavorful, and easily prepared at home.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides of each breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, which helps lock in juices and adds texture.
- Mix Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. This mixture will create the signature cheesy topping with a wonderful blend of flavors.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread a generous spoonful of ranch dressing evenly over each breast to add creaminess and tang.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the ranch-coated chicken breasts. Then top each with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking to brown the breadcrumb topping beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, pairing the dish nicely with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone or Romano cheese with an Italian cheese blend if those specific cheeses are not available.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ranch dressing.
- Broiling for the last 2 minutes enhances the crispiness of the breadcrumb topping.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
