Ah, my friend, let me tell you about a little gem I’ve stumbled upon that brings the spirit of a hearty steakhouse right into my kitchen—the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken! This dish smacks of comfort and joy, and the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a cherished favorite in my home. Imagine juicy chicken breasts, a crispy, cheesy crust, and oozing mozzarella all wrapped up in one delightful package. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Gather around; I have some secrets to share!
Why you’ll love this recipe
First, let’s talk about flavor. This isn’t just any chicken; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. The combination of golden, crunchy breadcrumbs and rich Parmesan creates a nutty flavor that gives your taste buds a warm hug. The gooey mozzarella adds a creamy layer that balances out the crispy exterior, so you get to enjoy a delicious contrast—crunchy meets luscious. Trust me, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Just think about it: you can toss this together any night of the week and impress your family or friends. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a casual weeknight meal. Plus, it’s versatile; serve it with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even over a bed of pasta. You really can’t go wrong!
Ingredients overview
Let’s gather our magical ingredients. You’ll want to have these beauties on hand:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Feel free to pound these to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: This will create that satisfying crunch. You can opt for seasoned breadcrumbs if you want to kick it up a notch.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Ah, the umami! Freshly grated is best, but the pre-shredded stuff works too.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because who could resist that meltiness? You could also use provolone for a sharper profile.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This will help our egg and breadcrumb coating cling wonderfully to the chicken.
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together—think of them as the glue of this recipe.
- 1/4 cup milk: A splash of richness to our egg mixture, making it extra silky.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is like the good friend who makes everything better. Don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flair. You can swap this for fresh herbs—just use more!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adds flavor magic. I usually go with sea salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of warmth and slight kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for that golden-brown perfection and a hint of richness.
The cooking process explained
Alright, let’s get cooking, shall we? Here’s how to transform these ingredients into your new favorite dish:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). You want it ready to go when the chicken is prepped.
- Prepare the dredging stations: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk until well blended. Finally, place the flour in a third dish.
- Dredge that chicken: Start by coating each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, letting any extra drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Don’t rush this; make sure every bit gets covered—it’s this layering that creates the magic!
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden. This step isn’t just for color; it builds incredible flavor.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Once golden, lay the chicken in a baking dish.
- Make your cheesy topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic. Layer this cheesy goodness over the chicken.
- Bake: Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should hit 165°F). Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is out of the oven and bubbling with cheesy goodness, here’s how to serve it up right. I recommend plating it elegantly—lay a piece of chicken on a fresh bed of arugula for a peppery bite, or spoon some marinara sauce over the top for an extra kick.
As for sides, consider garlic mashed potatoes or pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for the ultimate comfort combo. A crispy Caesar salad also pairs beautifully, adding some refreshing crunch to your meal. For a light touch, grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli would complement it without overwhelming the palate.
Storage and reheating tips
What if you have leftovers (though I doubt you will)? Here’s how to keep them tasting delicious. You can store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, lay it out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—just remember to date it! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through; this keeps that crispy texture intact. Microwaving can make it soggy; let’s avoid that!
Pro chef tips
Alright, friend, here are a few insider tips to elevate this dish even further:
- Pound those chicken breasts: If they are of uneven thickness, pounding them will ensure they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
- Let the chicken rest: After frying, let it sit for a minute before transferring to the oven. This helps keep the juices in.
- Customize your cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out half the mozzarella with a sharper cheese like gouda or cheddar for a fun twist.
Creative Twists
Feeling a bit experimental? Here are some variations to consider:
- Swap out the Italian seasoning for a Southwest kick with cumin and chili powder.
- How about adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach on top of the cheese before baking? It’s a healthy way to sneak in some veggies!
- Make it a Parmesan Chicken Parmesan by layering some marinara sauce on top before the cheese—so Italian, so delicious!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix breadcrumbs, half of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in one bowl.
- Beat eggs and milk together in another bowl.
- Place flour in a third dish.
- Dredge chicken in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Mix remaining Parmesan with mozzarella and garlic; top chicken with this mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Your questions answered
1. How long does this take to make?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add even juicier results. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
3. What sides pair well?
Garlic mashed potatoes and green beans are classic. Or try a bright, tangy arugula salad!
4. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the chicken and coat it, then refrigerate (but skip frying until ready to bake). You can also reheat leftovers.
5. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes—you can freeze it before or after cooking. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn!
So there you have it, my friend! This recipe is not only delightful to eat but also a breeze to make. I encourage you to let your creativity shine when you whip it up. Try it out and share your thoughts—let’s make this cooking journey a tasty adventure together!
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Chicken features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for an irresistible comfort dish.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Prepare dredging stations
In one bowl, combine breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. Place flour in a third dish. -
Dredge the chicken
Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. -
Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes each side until golden. -
Prepare for baking
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Mix remaining Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic, and layer on top of the chicken. -
Bake the chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.Enjoy the aroma as it bakes!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
