This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen! Juicy chicken is coated in a crispy, cheesy crust that’s just irresistible.
I love serving this with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they stay moist and cook evenly. If you’re looking to cut down on prep time, thinly sliced chicken cutlets work well too.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is the way to go for amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use Romano cheese or a combination of Pecorino cheese for a slightly different taste.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add a great flavor base. If you can’t find them, mix plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Also, gluten-free breadcrumbs are a good substitute for a gluten-free version.
Oil for Frying: Olive oil adds rich flavor, but you could also use vegetable or canola oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point for frying!
How Do You Get the Chicken Coating Extra Crispy?
One secret to achieving a crunchy coating is using a three-step breading method. This helps the crumbs stick better and gives that delightful crunch. Start with the flour to dry the chicken off, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumb mix. Be sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken!
- Make sure to pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Heat the oil properly before adding the chicken; it should sizzle when you place the chicken in the skillet.
- Don’t crowd the skillet! Cook in batches if needed, to keep the temperature steady and avoid sogginess.
Let your chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, which keeps it crispy when you serve!
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Breading Station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, 15 minutes cooking the chicken, and a few minutes for garnishing before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to ensure they are of even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Setting Up Your Breading Station:
Now it’s time to set up your breading station! Take three shallow dishes and fill the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs mixed with water, and the third with a combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This makes it easy to coat your chicken.
3. Breading the Chicken:
Coat each chicken breast in the flour first—this helps the egg stick. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the crumbs onto the chicken so it sticks well.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Draining and Garnishing:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken! Serve it with your favorite sides for a fantastic meal.
FAQ: Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a more flavorful and juicier option. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results, and adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a minute longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These adjustments will give you a similar crispy texture without the gluten.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
You can bread the chicken ahead of time! Just cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. If you want to freeze it, bread the chicken and place it in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What Do I Serve With This Dish?
This Parmesan chicken pairs beautifully with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pasta or rice to soak up any extra sauce!
