Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Introduction:

Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delectable dish that combines juicy chicken breast with a crispy, flavorful crust made from garlic and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish offers a delightful harmony of savory flavors and satisfying textures. In this article, we’ll dive into the allure of Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken and share a mouthwatering recipe to recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.

Discover the Irresistible Appeal of Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Longhorn Steakhouse is renowned for its exceptional steaks, but their Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken has also captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many diners. This dish takes classic chicken breast to new heights with a flavorful Parmesan and garlic crust that adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate the ingredients.
3. In a separate dish, lightly beat the eggs.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
5. Press the chicken breasts into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly and pressing gently to adhere the crust.
6. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips for Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

Serving Suggestions:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added flavor.
2. Accompaniments: Serve the chicken alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
3. Sauce on the Side: Offer a side of marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli for dipping to complement the savory flavors of the chicken.
4. Family-Style Meal: Arrange the Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a platter and let everyone help themselves for a casual family-style dining experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To maintain the crispiness of the crust, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the texture of the crust may become slightly soggy upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
4. Individual Portions: For easier reheating and portion control, slice the leftover chicken into individual portions before storing.
5. Revive Crispiness: If the crust becomes slightly soggy after refrigeration, you can crisp it up by reheating the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the crust is crispy again.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken both fresh out of the oven and as delightful leftovers.

Variations of Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to create an aromatic herb crust for the chicken. This variation adds a refreshing herbal flavor to the dish.
2. Panko Crust: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier crust. Panko breadcrumbs create a flakier texture and allow the garlic Parmesan flavor to shine through.
3. Lemon Garlic Chicken: Infuse the chicken with bright citrusy notes by adding lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the Parmesan mixture. The zesty lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the savory garlic and Parmesan.
4. Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a kick of heat to the crust by mixing in crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference to create a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
5. Italian-Inspired Chicken: Incorporate Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture to create an Italian-inspired crust. Serve the chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious chicken Parmesan twist.

FAQs:

1. Is Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken difficult to make? No, this dish is relatively simple to make with common ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks alike.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
3. Can I make Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. What can I serve with Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken? This chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
6. Can I make Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and even bread the chicken in advance. Store the breaded chicken in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
7. What should I do if the crust becomes too brown before the chicken is fully cooked? If the crust begins to brown too quickly in the oven, loosely cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning. Continue baking until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Can I freeze Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Yes, you can freeze cooked Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
9. How can I make the crust extra crispy? For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps to promote browning and crisping.
10. What can I do with leftovers? Leftover Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches or salads, or reheated and served with your favorite sides for another delicious meal.