Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Beginner’s Guide to Recreating a Restaurant Favorite at Home

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken dish. If you’re a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken, this homemade version is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone looking for an easy way to elevate a simple chicken breast, this recipe is a must-try. It combines the savory richness of Provolone cheese with the golden crispiness of Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs, all baked to perfection. Best of all, it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it ideal for beginner cooks who want to impress.

Print

For many of us, dining out at a restaurant like Longhorn is a treat, but what if you could recreate that same indulgence at home? Not only does making this dish yourself save money, but it also gives you control over the flavors and freshness of your ingredients. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, step by step.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is the perfect introduction to creating restaurant-style dishes at home, especially for beginner cooks. The recipe involves basic cooking techniques such as searing chicken, making a simple crust, and baking it to perfection. It’s not overly complicated, yet the end result is a flavor-packed dish that will make you feel like a culinary pro.

One of the reasons this recipe works so well for beginners is its simplicity. The chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and baked with a crunchy cheese topping that elevates the dish. The ingredients are easily accessible, and you can even make substitutions if necessary. Plus, the cooking time is short—about 35-40 minutes from start to finish—so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.

The health benefits are also noteworthy. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’re keeping the dish lean while still enjoying a satisfying, protein-packed meal. The addition of Parmesan and Provolone cheese adds flavor without overwhelming the dish with excessive fat. And if you’re conscious of calories, you can even make adjustments to the recipe without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients and Preparation

To recreate this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sliced Provolone cheese (about 4 slices)
• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

While the ingredients listed above will give you the classic flavor of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, there are a few substitutions you can make depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For example:

• Cheese: If you don’t have Provolone cheese, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella or even Gouda for a slightly different flavor. Parmesan is essential for the crust, but feel free to experiment with other mild cheeses for variety.
• Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work as well. Panko provides a light, crisp texture, but the dish will still be delicious with regular breadcrumbs.
• Herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, oregano, or basil to the crust mixture. Fresh herbs can also be used for a fresher taste, just be sure to chop them finely.
• Butter Substitute: If you prefer to use olive oil instead of butter, that’s completely fine. The butter adds a rich flavor, but olive oil will provide a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go over the simple steps to make this dish.

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken will cook thoroughly without becoming too dry. While the oven is heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is an important step because dry chicken allows the seasonings and crust to adhere better. Season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed so each bite is full of flavor.

Next, heat a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough for the chicken to sear but not so hot that it burns. The oil should shimmer when it’s ready for the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the skillet is heated, place the chicken breasts into the pan. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. The goal is to create a flavorful, golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

When both sides are seared, remove the skillet from heat and set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the cheesy crust.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir the mixture until it forms a crumbly but cohesive texture. If you’d like to take the crust to the next level, feel free to add some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or garlic powder. For a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are also a great addition.

Now, take a slice of Provolone cheese and place it on top of each chicken breast. The cheese should start melting slightly from the heat of the chicken. Then, evenly distribute the Parmesan-Panko mixture over the Provolone slices, pressing it down gently to help it adhere.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust turns golden brown. For an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to prevent it from burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. If desired, sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the chicken immediately while the cheese is still melty and the crust is crispy. For a complete meal, pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad. The crispy, cheesy chicken will be the star of the plate, and your guests (or family) will be wowed by how easy it was to make.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As you follow these steps, here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Searing the Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will stick to the pan and won’t sear properly.
• Even Coating: When applying the Parmesan-Panko crust, be sure to press it down gently to ensure it sticks. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more melted butter to help it adhere.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s best to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the chicken from searing properly, leading to uneven cooking.
• Broiling for Extra Crispiness: If you love a crispy crust, broiling the chicken for the last minute or two can really help. Just make sure to keep an eye on it, as things can go from crispy to burnt very quickly under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing with the crispy chicken. Try adding roasted garlic or cheese to elevate the flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts will balance out the richness of the chicken with their natural sweetness and freshness.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing complements the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Serve this with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up any delicious sauce or juices from the chicken.

For leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy-to-make, delicious dish that’s perfect for beginner cooks who want to create something impressive. The combination of crispy Parmesan, melty Provolone, and flavorful chicken is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. So, put on your apron, give this recipe a try, and enjoy a satisfying meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant!

If you’ve tried making this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you experiment with any ingredient substitutions? How did you serve it? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know if you have any tips of your own.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant classic in no time. Enjoy!