Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Craving that crispy, juicy, parmesan-crusted chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse? Well, now you can make it at home and bring all those restaurant flavors into your kitchen! This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is everything you love about the original dish—crispy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful—but made in the comfort of your own home. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this crowd-pleaser.

The golden, cheesy crust adds the perfect crunch, while the juicy chicken stays tender and flavorful inside. Paired with a delicious marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil, it’s a meal that will make you feel like you’re dining out, without ever leaving your kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish gives you all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave, with a crispy exterior and juicy chicken. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Restaurant-Worthy at Home: You can now recreate your favorite Longhorn dish right at home, no need for a reservation! It’s an easy recipe that’s guaranteed to impress.

Customizable: Want to add more cheese? Or perhaps a bit more spice? This recipe is simple to tweak to suit your personal taste. You can even serve it with different sides, like mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Quick & Easy: While it tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, this recipe is actually pretty quick and easy to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

For this Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this dish.
• Breadcrumbs: The classic combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs gives the chicken a perfect, crispy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds the most flavor and that delicious cheesy crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A little mozzarella for extra gooey cheesiness.
• Eggs: For the egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Flour: To coat the chicken before dipping in the egg wash.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, flavorful marinara sauce is the perfect complement to the cheesy chicken.
• Olive Oil: For frying the chicken and getting that golden, crispy exterior.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to flavor the breading.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish and that final pop of flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to recreate this delicious dish at home:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this helps them cook more evenly. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Bread the Chicken:

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese. Coat each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

3. Fry the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet, and spoon a little marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by some additional parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once the cheese is nice and golden, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your Parmesan Chicken with your favorite sides like pasta, a crisp salad, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 8% DV
Vitamin C: 2% DV
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 10% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This dish is already packed with flavor, but here are a few suggestions for sides that would pair perfectly:

With Spaghetti:

For a traditional take, serve your Parmesan Chicken over a plate of spaghetti with marinara sauce. It’s an iconic combination that never gets old.

With Garlic Bread:

A crispy, buttery garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. It adds that extra touch of comfort!

With a Simple Salad:

A light, refreshing salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

With Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, are a great healthy side to complement this rich dish.

Additional Tips

• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures that they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Breadcrumb Choice: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. You can also add some grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for an even cheesier coating.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs if you like a little heat with your Parmesan Chicken.
• Crispier Chicken: If you prefer a crunchier coating, after frying the chicken, place it on a wire rack to allow air circulation, so the crust stays crisp when baked.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Double the batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe and will be extra juicy.

Q2: How do I keep the chicken crispy?
A2: Make sure to cook the chicken on a wire rack after frying to help keep the coating crispy while baking. Also, avoid covering the chicken with foil while baking, as this traps moisture and softens the crust.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the sauce and cheese, and bake.

Q4: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A4: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works just as well. However, if you have time, homemade marinara adds an extra layer of flavor.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A5: The chicken should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Q6: Can I make this dish healthier?
A6: You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier alternative.

Q7: Can I freeze leftovers?
A7: Yes! This dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q8: How do I reheat this dish?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the chicken won’t stay as crispy.

Q9: Can I make this without frying?
A9: Yes! You can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, for a healthier, no-fry option.

Q10: What sides go best with Parmesan Chicken?
A10: Classic sides include pasta with marinara, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a light salad.

Conclusion

This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is an absolute winner for anyone craving a cheesy, crispy, and flavorful dish without having to leave the house. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable, meaning you can make it your own. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress. So grab your ingredients, and get ready for a delicious homemade version of a classic favorite!

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