There’s something truly special about enjoying your favorite restaurant dish from the comfort of your own home. If you’ve ever savored the crispy, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This recipe brings that beloved flavor right into your kitchen! Featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan breading, baked until golden, then topped with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, this dish is a weeknight winner that feels like a gourmet treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m constantly on the lookout for recipes that deliver big on flavor without requiring complicated techniques, and this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken copycat absolutely fits the bill. What I love most is how effortlessly it transforms simple chicken breasts into a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. The crispy Parmesan crust is divine, and the combination of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that always gets rave reviews and disappears quickly, proving that restaurant-quality meals are perfectly achievable in your own kitchen.
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: For more even cooking, you can pound the thicker parts of the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness (about ¾-inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Chicken thighs could also be used for a richer flavor, though cooking time would need adjustment.
- Breadcrumbs: While Italian breadcrumbs are ideal for their built-in seasoning, you can use plain breadcrumbs and increase the garlic powder, onion powder, and add a pinch of dried oregano or basil. For extra crispiness, Panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will offer a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties, but either will work.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality marinara sauce that you enjoy the taste of, as it contributes significantly to the dish’s flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully and has a great stretch. Part-skim works well too. A blend of Italian cheeses could also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkled over the marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to bake your perfectly crispy and cheesy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up your breading station. In a shallow dish (like a pie plate or a wide, shallow bowl), combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This is your egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Then, transfer the chicken breast to the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly on both sides to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well, creating an even coating.
- Bake Chicken (First Phase): Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Add Toppings & Final Bake: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauceover the top of each piece of chicken. Then, top each chicken breast with a good sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is completely melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents the breading from burning before the chicken is done.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before dipping in the egg wash, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the egg wash adhere better, leading to a more consistent breading.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure chicken is cooked through without overcooking is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, consider grating your own mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a fantastic main course. Serve it alongside a generous portion of classic spaghetti with extra marinara, a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or asparagus would also be great vegetable additions. For beverages, a glass of red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a light lager would pair nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the breading. You can also use an air fryer. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the cheesy, comforting flavors and ease of this Parmesan Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic chicken and comfort food recipes:
- For another incredibly cheesy and easy chicken dish, check out Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter. They’re perfect for parties!
- If you’re a fan of crispy, savory appetizers, you’ll adore Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
- For a comforting, hearty, one-pan meal that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- If you’re looking for a fresh and light chicken dish, my A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave And There’s No Mayo In Sight is a delightful option.
- And for another go-to cheesy, crowd-pleasing chicken dinner, be sure to try These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need to leave your house to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. It’s crispy, tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a perfect combination that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Have you ever tried to recreate a restaurant favorite at home? What are your go-to chicken dishes? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes!
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