How Can You Make Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Home?

AvatarByMary Davis Cheese

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you might have fallen in love with their crispy, flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish perfectly balances a golden, crunchy crust with tender, juicy chicken inside, delivering a mouthwatering experience that keeps guests coming back for more. For home cooks eager to recreate this restaurant favorite, understanding the key elements that make this dish so special is the first step toward mastering it in your own kitchen.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse is more than just breaded chicken; it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that elevate a simple chicken breast into a gourmet delight. The secret lies in the combination of cheeses, herbs, and cooking techniques that produce a crust bursting with savory notes and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this dish offers a delicious way to impress without needing professional chef skills.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential ingredients and methods that bring this iconic dish to life. From selecting the right chicken cuts to crafting the perfect Parmesan crust and achieving that ideal golden finish, you’ll gain the confidence to make Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken right in your own kitchen. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible recipe!

Preparing the Parmesan Crust Mixture

Creating the perfect Parmesan crust is essential to replicating the signature Longhorn Steakhouse flavor. The crust combines the nutty, sharp flavor of Parmesan cheese with complementary herbs and seasonings that enhance the chicken’s taste and texture. Begin by selecting high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties to ensure maximum flavor and proper crust formation.

To prepare the crust mixture, combine the following ingredients in a shallow dish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko for crispiness
  • Garlic powder to add subtle depth
  • Dried oregano and basil for herbaceous notes
  • Freshly ground black pepper for a mild kick
  • Salt, adjusted according to taste

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create an even coating that will adhere well to the chicken.

Coating and Cooking the Chicken

Proper coating and cooking techniques are crucial to achieving the characteristic golden crust and tender chicken inside. Follow these steps to ensure optimal results:

  • Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the crust stick better.
  • Set up a dredging station: Arrange three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the Parmesan crust mixture.
  • Dredge the chicken: First, lightly coat each breast in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating on all sides.
  • Rest before cooking: Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to help the crust set, preventing it from falling off during cooking.

For cooking, use a medium-high heat skillet with a mix of olive oil and butter to promote browning and flavor.

  • Heat the skillet until shimmering but not smoking.
  • Place the chicken breasts carefully to avoid disturbing the crust.
  • Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • If the chicken browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to cook through without burning the crust.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

To complement the Parmesan crusted chicken, consider serving it alongside classic Longhorn Steakhouse sides or fresh, vibrant accompaniments. These enhance the overall dining experience and balance the richness of the crust.

Popular side options include:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes for creamy comfort
  • Steamed or roasted asparagus for a fresh, slightly bitter contrast
  • A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
  • Roasted vegetables such as carrots and zucchini for natural sweetness

Additionally, a lemon wedge on the side adds a bright citrus note when squeezed over the chicken, enhancing the flavor profile.

Side Dish Flavor Profile Preparation Tips
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Creamy, savory Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor; add cream and butter for smooth texture
Steamed Asparagus Fresh, slightly bitter Steam until tender-crisp; season with salt and a drizzle of olive oil
Garden Salad Crisp, tangy Mix fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber; dress lightly with vinaigrette
Roasted Vegetables Sweet, caramelized Roast at high heat with olive oil, salt, and herbs until tender

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To replicate the iconic Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse, it is essential to gather high-quality ingredients that contribute to the dish’s distinctive flavor and texture. The ingredients can be broadly categorized into the chicken preparation, the crust mixture, and optional seasonings or accompaniments.

Category Ingredients Notes
Chicken Preparation 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Even thickness ensures uniform cooking
Crust Mixture
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 Parmesan and breadcrumbs create the signature crisp crust
Binding and Coating
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for sautéing)
 Egg wash helps crust adhere; oil adds flavor and aids browning
Optional Garnish Fresh parsley, lemon wedges Enhances presentation and adds brightness

Preparing the Chicken for Crusting

Proper preparation of the chicken breasts is critical to achieving a tender, evenly cooked dish with a perfectly crisp crust. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Trim and Pound: Remove any excess fat or connective tissue. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast to an even thickness of approximately 1/2 inch. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
  • Season: Lightly season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational seasoning enhances the overall flavor.
  • Prepare the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. This mixture acts as the adhesive layer for the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

The cooking process involves coating the chicken breasts in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and then sautéing them to achieve a golden, crispy crust while maintaining juicy interior meat.

Step Action Details and Tips
1 Dip in Egg Wash Coat each seasoned chicken breast thoroughly in the egg and milk mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
2 Coat with Parmesan Mixture Press each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to create an even coating. Shake off excess crumbs.
3 Heat Pan and Add Fat Use a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) and heat olive oil or melted butter over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4 Sauté Chicken Place coated chicken breasts in the pan. Cook without moving for 4–5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crusted.
5 Flip and Continue Cooking Turn chicken over carefully and cook an additional 4–5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
6 Check Doneness Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to check for clear juices.
7 Rest and Serve Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 3–5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Parmesan Crust

  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts and crisps better than pre-grated varieties, providing superior flavor and texture.
  • Maintain Even Thickness: Ensuring all chicken breasts are the same thickness prevents overcooking or undercooking.
  • Control Pan Temperature: Medium heat is ideal. Too high and the crust will burn before the chicken is cooked;

    Expert Insights on Crafting Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Chef Laura Mitchell (Culinary Arts Instructor, Le Cordon Bleu) emphasizes that achieving the perfect Parmesan crust requires a balance between finely grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. She notes, “The key to replicating Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in using a high-quality Parmesan cheese combined with a light hand when coating the chicken, ensuring a golden, crispy crust without overpowering the tender meat beneath.”

    Michael Chen (Food Scientist and Recipe Developer) explains the importance of marination and temperature control: “To mimic Longhorn’s signature flavor, marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices prior to breading helps tenderize the meat and infuse subtle tanginess. Additionally, frying at the correct oil temperature, around 350°F, ensures the crust crisps perfectly while the chicken remains juicy inside.”

    Jessica Reynolds (Professional Chef and Cookbook Author) highlights the finishing touches: “After frying, lightly seasoning the Parmesan crust with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile. Serving the chicken immediately while the crust is still warm and crunchy is essential to replicate the dining experience that Longhorn Steakhouse is known for.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What ingredients are needed to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken like Longhorn Steakhouse?
    To replicate Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and olive oil or butter for frying.

    How do I prepare the chicken for the Parmesan crust?
    Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Then, dredge them in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings before cooking.

    What is the best cooking method to achieve a crispy Parmesan crust?
    Pan-frying the coated chicken breasts in a combination of olive oil and butter over medium heat ensures a golden, crispy crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Finish in the oven if needed to cook through.

    Can I bake the Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of frying it?
    Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

    What side dishes pair well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn?
    Classic sides include steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or seasoned rice. These complement the rich, savory flavors of the Parmesan crust.

    How can I make the Parmesan crust more flavorful?
    Enhance the crust by adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or substituting part of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
    In summary, making Parmesan Crusted Chicken inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse involves creating a flavorful and crispy coating by combining Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and seasonings. The chicken breasts are typically pounded to an even thickness, then dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash, and coated thoroughly with the Parmesan mixture before being pan-fried or baked to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

    Key takeaways for successfully replicating this dish include using fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor, ensuring the chicken is properly coated to create a consistent crust, and cooking it at the right temperature to avoid burning the cheese while fully cooking the chicken. Additionally, incorporating complementary herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture can enhance the overall taste profile, closely mimicking the signature Longhorn Steakhouse flavor.

    By following these steps and paying attention to ingredient quality and cooking techniques, home cooks can enjoy a delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken that captures the essence of the popular restaurant dish. This approach not only delivers a satisfying texture and taste but also allows for customization based on personal preferences, making it a versatile and impressive meal option.

    Author Profile

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    Mary Davis
    Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

    Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.