Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a dish that never fails to impress. I made this recipe for my family recently, and it was an immediate hit. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and the cheesy topping added the perfect finishing touch. We paired it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, and it truly felt like a restaurant-quality meal right in our own home. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require complicated ingredients or techniques. Whether you’re looking to treat your family to a hearty dinner or want a dish to impress guests, this Parmesan Chicken is sure to deliver.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixtures:
   In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk. Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
   Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, and finally, coat the chicken with the bread crumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure an even coating.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
6. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella cheese and minced garlic.
7. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
8. Bake:
   Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

How to Serve

• With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a well-rounded, comforting meal.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy addition to your plate.
• With Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a heartier meal.
• With a Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the Parmesan Chicken.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors from the chicken and cheese.

Additional Tips

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated variety. It will melt better and provide a richer taste.
2. Double Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken in the egg and bread crumb mixture. This will ensure a thicker, crunchier crust.
3. Season the Flour: Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the flour mixture for an additional layer of flavor in the chicken.
4. Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through but still moist and tender inside.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Chicken Parmesan: Top the baked chicken with marinara sauce and extra mozzarella cheese for a classic Chicken Parmesan twist.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the bread crumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour and gluten-free bread crumbs.
4. Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the bread crumb mixture for an herbaceous flavor.
5. Cheddar and Bacon Chicken: For a richer taste, mix some cheddar cheese into the topping and sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Family Dinner: Serve this Parmesan chicken with a side of roasted potatoes and a fresh salad for an easy family meal.
• For a Romantic Dinner: Serve with a light pasta dish and a glass of white wine for a romantic dinner date at home.
• For Meal Prep: This chicken is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store in the refrigerator for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week.
• For a Crowd: This recipe is easily scalable, so if you’re feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, bake the chicken as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes when ready to serve.
• Storage Tips: If you’re storing leftovers, keep the chicken and the cheese topping separate in order to prevent the cheese from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

1. Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

• Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone, fontina, or another meltable cheese.

1. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

• The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

1. What can I serve this with if I don’t want mashed potatoes?

• This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a simple quinoa salad.

1. Can I use dried Italian seasoning instead of fresh herbs?

• Yes, dried Italian seasoning works just as well. Use about 1 teaspoon in place of fresh herbs.

1. Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

• Yes, just increase the cooking time slightly, as thighs tend to take longer to cook than breasts.

1. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

• While the recipe doesn’t call for vegetables, you could add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.

1. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

• Freshly grated Parmesan will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture, but you can use pre-grated cheese if necessary.

1. Is this recipe spicy?
   • No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a spicy version.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is an incredibly delicious and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its crispy crust, cheesy topping, and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great option for any home cook. So, get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home with this Parmesan Chicken recipe!

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