Craving that delicious, cheesy chicken dish from Longhorn Steakhouse? Now you can recreate it at home with this incredible Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken copycat recipe! Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan breading, baked until golden, and then topped with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, it’s a gourmet-feeling meal that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a delightful treat for guests!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a true kitchen gem, and I absolutely adore it for its simplicity and incredible flavor payoff! What I love most is how the chicken breasts bake up so beautifully tender and moist, thanks to the double coating of egg wash and seasoned breadcrumbs. That crispy, savory Parmesan breading is packed with garlic and onion powder, adding a fantastic aroma and taste. Then, spooning over the marinara sauce and blanketing it with gooey mozzarella cheese before a final bake creates that irresistible melty, bubbly perfection. It truly captures the essence of the restaurant favorite, making it a regular rotation in my home for an effortless yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Aim for similarly sized chicken breasts for even cooking. If they are very thick, you can pound them slightly to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness for quicker cooking.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These are seasoned, which adds a great flavor base. If you only have plain breadcrumbs, you can add an extra 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. Panko breadcrumbs would offer a crispier texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the best flavor and texture in the breading.
- Eggs and Milk (Egg Wash): This helps the breading adhere to the chicken. Any type of milk works.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand of store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or your go-to homemade recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully. Provolone or an Italian blend could also be used.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper are essential for the breading. Adjust to your taste preference.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish and pop of color.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish or a wide, flat bowl, combine the 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup milk until well blended.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each boneless, skinless chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well to all sides. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet with the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Add Sauce & Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of each baked chicken breast. Top each sauced chicken breast generously with shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/4 cup per breast).
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving hot.
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken (Optional): If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness for more even and faster cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken breasts on the baking sheet for even baking and browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken can be dry.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the chicken is tender.
- Fresh Parsley: It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of spaghetti or linguine to soak up the marinara sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli complements the richness.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing chicken dishes, consider our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Parmesan Chicken makes fantastic leftovers, though the breading may soften.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining some crispness, reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving is possible but will make the breading softer.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked Parmesan chicken is generally not recommended as the breading and sauce can change texture upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and chicken-centric nature of this dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying chicken and cheese dishes, our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are a must-try.
- And for a hearty chicken and cheese casserole that’s always a hit, check out These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a brilliant way to bring a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying gourmet meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, promising a plate full of tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite restaurant dish to recreate at home? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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