Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you’ve probably tried their Parmesan Crusted Chicken—a dish that perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown breading with a tender and juicy chicken breast. The good news is, you don’t have to leave the house to enjoy this delicious meal! With this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, you can recreate that same mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.

This recipe features chicken breasts coated in a cheesy, herbed crust, then baked until crispy and golden. Paired with a creamy Alfredo sauce and a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, it’s a meal that will impress your family or guests without the need for a reservation.

Let’s dive into the recipe and start making this restaurant favorite at home!

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Alfredo Sauce (optional):

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading stick better. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Make the Parmesan Crust

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano. Stir until well mixed.

Pour the melted butter into a separate shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, coating both sides. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.

4. Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy. If you like your crust extra crispy, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

5. Make the Alfredo Sauce (Optional)

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the creamy Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, then stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Keep warm.

6. Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the Alfredo sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.

7. Enjoy!

Serve your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with your favorite sides—think creamy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad. Enjoy!

Cooking Notes

• Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may want to butterfly them or pound them out to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Crispy Crust: The panko breadcrumbs combined with the Italian breadcrumbs give the chicken a wonderfully crispy texture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
• Alfredo Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can skip the Alfredo sauce or use store-bought Alfredo sauce. However, making your own adds richness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan will work if that’s what you have on hand.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Crust: For an extra garlic kick, increase the garlic powder in the crust to 2 teaspoons. You can also add fresh minced garlic to the melted butter for even more flavor.
• Lighter Version: To lighten up this dish, you can use a thin layer of breadcrumbs and opt for a lighter Alfredo sauce using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a healthier take.
• Spicy Parmesan Crust: If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful option, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will need a slightly longer cooking time but will remain moist and tender.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this dish, consider the following modifications:

• Breadcrumb Substitute: Use a mixture of almond flour and crushed pork rinds to replace the breadcrumbs for a low-carb crust. The combination will give you a crunchy texture without the carbs.
• Sauce: Stick with the homemade Alfredo sauce (using heavy cream and butter) to keep it keto-friendly. Avoid store-bought sauces, as they often contain added sugars or starches.
• Sides: Pair the chicken with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash, roasted zucchini, or sautéed spinach instead of mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can use bone-in chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time—bone-in breasts typically take longer to cook (around 35-40 minutes at 400°F).

Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken with the Parmesan crust the day before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake as directed. You can also make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How Can I Make the Chicken Extra Crispy?

To get an extra-crispy crust, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking. Just be careful not to burn it, and keep a close eye on it while broiling.

What Can I Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even pasta. For a healthier option, serve with sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family or guests. With a crispy, cheesy crust and a creamy Alfredo sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this chicken is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of Longhorn’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken—your taste buds will thank you!

Let me know if you’d like any further tweaks or additions!