Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Guide

Introduction

The History of Parmesan Chicken

Parmesan Chicken, often known as “Chicken Parmesan,” has roots in Italian-American cuisine. It is believed to have originated from southern Italy, where eggplant or veal was used in a similar preparation, breaded and topped with tomato sauce and cheese. The dish made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants in the early 20th century, where it became a staple in Italian-American restaurants.

Longhorn Steakhouse, known for its steaks and rustic fare, put its spin on this beloved dish by using chicken and pairing it with a creamy parmesan sauce. Their take on Parmesan Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with a rich, cheesy sauce, making it a standout option in their menu.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They’re the perfect base for breading and frying, offering a lean protein.
Breadcrumbs: A mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and Panko (for extra crunch) is used to coat the chicken for that crispy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is added to the breading mixture to infuse the chicken with a rich, savory flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are used as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Flour: The flour helps with the initial coating of the chicken before dipping it into the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden crisp.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is used for extra flavor in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps in the preparation of the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1 inch, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Breading Process

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- In the first, add flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- In the second, whisk eggs until smooth.
- In the third, combine Italian breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Coat each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the breaded chicken breasts.
Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Once it thickens slightly, stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Place the fried chicken on a serving plate. Spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.

Tips for the Perfect Parmesan Chicken

Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, make sure to use Panko breadcrumbs in combination with regular Italian breadcrumbs.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will give a much better flavor and texture than pre-shredded versions.
Control Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough to fry the chicken (about 350°F). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

Variations and Customizations

Add Marinara Sauce: For a traditional Chicken Parmesan feel, you can add marinara sauce on top before the parmesan sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
Add Spices: Experiment with adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Vegetable Sides: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, for a more balanced meal.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While delicious, Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken is a calorie-dense dish, primarily due to the frying process and creamy sauce. Here’s an overview of its nutritional aspects:

Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving (depending on size and the amount of sauce used).
Fat: This dish is higher in fat, with about 35-40 grams per serving, mainly from frying oil, butter, and cream.
Protein: Each chicken breast provides a substantial amount of protein—about 40 grams per serving.
Carbs: The breadcrumbs contribute to the carb count, which is around 20-30 grams per serving.

Healthier Alternatives:

Baking the Chicken: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat it with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Low-Fat Sauce: Use reduced-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream to cut down on calories and fat.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer more flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time, then reheat it in the oven to maintain crispiness. Make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with Parmesan Chicken? This dish pairs well with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I freeze the breaded chicken? Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before frying. Simply freeze it on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag for longer storage. When ready, fry it straight from frozen.
Can I use other cheeses? While Parmesan is the traditional choice, you can add mozzarella or even a bit of provolone for a unique twist on the dish.

Enjoy recreating Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken at home with this easy-to-follow guide!

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich, savory crust and a creamy parmesan sauce. It's a popular dish known for its delicious, comforting flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’ve had it at the restaurant or are looking to recreate it at home, this recipe will walk you through the key steps to prepare this classic favorite.

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Total Time 35

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs beaten
1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil for frying
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½-inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Bread the Chicken:
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
In the first dish, place the flour.
In the second dish, whisk the eggs.
In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure it sticks.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Bake the Chicken:
Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Once the cheese has melted, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy with pasta, garlic bread, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

You can prepare the chicken in advance and refrigerate it after frying. When ready to serve, just bake it with the marinara sauce and cheese as directed.
For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Simply spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

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