This Parmesan chicken is juicy and crispy, just like what you find at Longhorn Steakhouse! It’s coated in cheesy goodness and baked to perfection. Yum!
I love serving it with a side of pasta or veggies. It feels special, but it’s super easy to whip up. Family and friends always want the recipe, and I happily share! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are essential for this dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, as they tend to stay juicier when cooked.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought grated cheese works, but it might not melt as nicely. You could also try Pecorino Romano for a different taste!
Bread Crumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are great for adding extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a fun crunchy alternative.
Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumb mixture stick. If you’re avoiding eggs, use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Evenly?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key for even cooking. If you have thicker parts, they could take longer to cook through. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Take your time, and make sure to avoid tearing the meat.
This way, you get juicy, evenly cooked chicken each time you make it!
Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional for extra flavor)
For Serving:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Parmesan chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the chicken thoroughly later on.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly, so you don’t have some parts overcooked while others are undercooked.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow dishes ready. In the first dish, add the flour and season lightly with salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs well. In the third dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, and paprika.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, generously coat the chicken with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
5. Cook the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter (if using) over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
After browning, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
7. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your chicken with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
9. Enjoy!
Dig into your juicy, cheesy Parmesan chicken, just like at Longhorn Steakhouse. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
FAQ About Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you’re starting with frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of submerging it in cold water in a sealed bag until fully defrosted.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Parmesan chicken gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Ensure that the flour you use is also gluten-free.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and follow the cooking instructions. This way, you’ll cut down on prep time when you’re ready to eat!
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This Parmesan chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You might consider serving it with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more filling meal, mashed potatoes or risotto work beautifully too!
