Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken – A Restaurant-Style Favorite at Home
If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you’ve likely fallen head over heels for their legendary Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch-style spread, a melty cheese blanket, and a crisp, golden parmesan crust that adds the perfect crunch. This dish strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and comforting—and the best part? You can recreate it in your own kitchen with ease.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home, looking to impress guests, or craving a steakhouse-style entrée without leaving the house, this copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the original. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of bold flavor with a texture that keeps every bite exciting.
Why You’ll Love Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Copycat Version)
- It’s Restaurant Quality at Home – Tastes just like the original from Longhorn.
- Crunchy Meets Creamy – The parmesan-panko topping is crispy, the ranch spread is creamy, and the chicken is juicy.
- Easy but Impressive – Looks and tastes gourmet, but the steps are simple.
- Customizable – Add bacon, tomatoes, or spicy ranch for a twist.
- Family Favorite – It’s kid-approved and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Ranch Spread:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dill or Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic or garlic powder
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone (or more mozzarella)
For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Drizzle with olive oil, then season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat on a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Step 3: Mix the Ranch Spread
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, parsley, and seasonings. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust
In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated and crumbly.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Top each cooked chicken breast with:
- A spoonful of ranch-mayo spread
- A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and provolone
- A thick layer of the parmesan-panko crust
Step 6: Broil Until Golden
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the chicken under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Watch closely to prevent burning!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Delicious Variations & Add-Ins
- Bacon Parmesan Chicken: Add crumbled bacon beneath the cheese layer.
- Spicy Kick: Mix hot sauce or sriracha into the ranch spread.
- Southwest Style: Add a layer of pepper jack cheese and serve with pico de gallo.
- Italian Twist: Use marinara instead of ranch and top with mozzarella and basil.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour instead of panko.
Best Ways to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- With Mashed Potatoes: Steakhouse-style comfort at its finest.
- Alongside Pasta: Try it with fettuccine alfredo or penne in garlic butter sauce.
- On a Salad: Slice it over Caesar or ranch-dressed greens.
- In a Sandwich: Stuff it into toasted ciabatta with lettuce and tomato.
- With Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work beautifully.
Expert Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensures fast, even cooking.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts and crisps better than pre-grated.
- Watch the Broiler: The crust can burn quickly—don’t walk away!
- Let It Rest: Helps the juices redistribute and flavors set.
- Use Foil or Parchment: Easy cleanup for broiling the final step.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Use foil to keep from over-browning.
- Freeze: Freeze fully cooked, cooled chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven until crisp.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
(Varies based on cheese and toppings used.)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Broil Time: 3–4 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
FAQs
Can I use store-bought grilled chicken?
Yes! Just heat it through and proceed with the topping and broiling steps.
Is it okay to bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F.
Can I make this ahead?
You can grill the chicken and prep the crust ahead. Assemble and broil just before serving.
What’s the best cheese substitute for Gruyère or provolone?
Mozzarella works well, or try fontina or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Try using plain Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning as a lighter option.
Conclusion
Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that delivers steakhouse flavor in a home kitchen—crispy, cheesy, creamy, and packed with punchy flavor in every bite. This easy copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic any night of the week, whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself to a seriously good meal. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy restaurant-worthy comfort food without leaving your kitchen.
