Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Homemade Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken has become my latest kitchen obsession, sparking endless culinary excitement.

Crispy textures and rich flavors dance together in this restaurant-inspired dish.

Restaurants often charge premium prices for such delectable meals, but now you can recreate the magic at home.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Fragrant parmesan creates a golden, crunchy exterior that seals in delicious moisture.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crisp coating and tender chicken meat.

Master this recipe, and you’ll impress everyone at your next dinner gathering.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perks

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious chicken in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution without extensive cooking time.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in a crispy, cheesy topping that combines parmesan and provolone, creating a rich, golden crust that elevates standard chicken breasts.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this recipe appeals to various tastes and dietary preferences with its simple yet flavorful approach.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat Ingredients

Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the main protein base for the dish, best when fresh and uniformly sized.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides deep, aromatic flavor without adding moisture.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors.
Coating and Moisture:
  • Ranch Dressing: Creates a creamy, tangy base that helps cheese and breadcrumbs adhere to chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
Cheese and Crunch:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Provide sharp, nutty flavor and create a delicious melted crust.
  • Breadcrumbs: Delivers a crispy texture and helps seal in moisture.

Copycat Longhorn Chicken Cooking Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Set your oven to toasty 400°F and grab a large baking dish ready for delicious chicken magic.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Gently rub chicken breasts with a vibrant blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage these seasonings thoroughly into each chicken piece.

Step 3: Create a Golden Exterior

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high flame.

Carefully place chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust develops.

Step 4: Spread Creamy Goodness

Transfer seared chicken to baking dish.

Generously drizzle ranch dressing across each chicken piece, creating a luscious layer.

Step 5: Prepare Cheesy Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Provolone cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter

Mix ingredients until they form a delectable, crumbly mixture.

Step 6: Blanket with Cheesy Crumbs

Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over ranch-covered chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and topping turns golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes.

This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat With Smart Cooking Techniques

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for a more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure better searing and crispier exterior.
  • Press cheese mixture gently onto chicken to help it adhere and create a more even, golden-brown crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry or tough.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version of the dish.

Keep Parmesan Crusted Chicken For Another Round

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • For quick reheating, use medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent toughness.

Comfort Combos for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Uncork a crisp chardonnay or pinot grigio that balances the rich, cheesy chicken.
  • Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and Italian herbs.
  • Whip up a quick lemon garlic aioli using mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
  • Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat with Flavor Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to create a crispy, celiac-friendly coating that maintains the recipe's original flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cheese Crusted Version: Swap breadcrumbs with finely ground pork rinds or crushed pork panko for a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the cheesy crunch intact.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives, using coconut oil instead of butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs while preserving the dish's savory essence.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, southwestern-inspired entrée.

FAQs

  • What are the key seasonings used for this chicken recipe?

Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper are the essential spices that create a flavorful base for the chicken, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.

  • Why do I need to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in the juices, creates a delicious golden-brown exterior, and helps develop a deeper, richer flavor before the final baking process. This step ensures the chicken remains moist and tender.

  • What cheeses are used in the parmesan crust?

The recipe combines parmesan and provolone cheeses, which provide a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy topping that melts beautifully and creates a crispy, golden crust on the chicken.

  • How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender throughout.

Print
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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen table. Crispy exterior and juicy interior combine with rich parmesan coating, promising a delicious meal you can confidently prepare at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Coating and Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the chicken.
  2. Create a flavorful seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to coat the chicken breasts thoroughly.
  3. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat to create a perfect searing surface.
  4. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a baking dish, creating an even layer.
  6. Generously spread ranch dressing across the surface of each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter to create a rich, textured topping.
  8. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the ranch-covered chicken, pressing gently to help the topping adhere.
  9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
  10. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

Notes

  • Achieve a perfectly golden and crispy crust by using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
  • Substitute ranch dressing with Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a healthier alternative with reduced calories.
  • Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before seasoning and searing.
  • Create a gluten-free version by replacing breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for added crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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