Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Guide

Introduction

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a beloved dish from the popular chain of steakhouses. This recipe features a tender chicken breast coated with a crispy, cheesy parmesan crust, then baked to perfection. The dish is known for its balance of textures – crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The rich parmesan flavor makes it a comforting, indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re recreating the steakhouse experience at home or just in the mood for something flavorful, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The History of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Longhorn Steakhouse, founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its combination of high-quality steaks and deliciously hearty comfort foods. The restaurant has a strong emphasis on bold flavors, and their Parmesan Chicken became a fan favorite for its satisfying crunch and rich, cheesy flavor. While the exact origins of this particular dish may be tied to regional tastes and trends, parmesan-crusted chicken has long been a popular choice in American dining, drawing inspiration from both Italian and American comfort food traditions.

The dish combines the crispy, golden crust of chicken coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then baked to achieve a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy meat inside. Over time, Longhorn Steakhouse has fine-tuned this dish to become one of its signature offerings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They are lean, tender, and quick to cook, making them perfect for this dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese gives the crust its sharp, nutty flavor. It’s crucial to use freshly grated parmesan, as pre-grated parmesan will not create the same texture.
Breadcrumbs: A mixture of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs helps achieve the perfect crispy crust. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving a nice crunch.
Eggs: Used to bind the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to the chicken, ensuring the coating sticks.
Garlic Powder: Adds a depth of flavor to the crust and enhances the savory taste of the chicken.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, and its mild flavor complements the richness of the chicken.
Olive Oil: Used for drizzling over the chicken for added moisture and to help the crust get golden and crispy during cooking.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that are essential for seasoning the chicken and the breading mixture.
Butter (optional): Some recipes for Parmesan Chicken include a little melted butter added to the breadcrumb mixture for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook more evenly.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper to this mixture.
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the crispy Parmesan Chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a salad.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect the crust.
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After frying the chicken and before baking it, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Keep the Chicken Crisp: To maintain the crispy texture, avoid covering the chicken after it’s baked, as steam can soften the crust.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add a Little Butter: For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the chicken before baking to help the crust crisp up and add richness.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that thighs have a bit more fat, which can make them juicier but may require slight adjustments to cooking time.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or a low-carb breadcrumb alternative to make this dish keto-friendly.
Parmesan Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago for a variation in flavor. These cheeses will bring a different texture and sharper flavor to the crust.
Herb Variations: Add a variety of dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, such as thyme, oregano, or basil, to infuse more flavor into the chicken.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the chicken and the amount of cheese used.
Protein: About 35-40 grams of protein, coming primarily from the chicken.
Fat: 20-25 grams of fat, much of which comes from the olive oil and parmesan cheese.
Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams of carbs, primarily from the breadcrumbs.
Fiber: 2-3 grams of fiber, depending on the type of breadcrumbs used.

Healthier Alternatives:

Low-Fat Option: Use a smaller amount of cheese, or substitute part of the parmesan with a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Lower-Carb: Use almond flour or a keto-friendly breadcrumb substitute to reduce the carbs and make this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just make sure to cook it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes! To avoid frying, you can bake the breaded chicken directly on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a crispy crust without the need for frying.
How can I make the chicken juicier? To keep the chicken juicy, be sure to not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F). You can also brine the chicken beforehand to help it retain moisture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work great in this dish! They’re naturally juicier than chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I use a different cheese for the crust? Yes, you can experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano, asiago, or even a mix of parmesan and mozzarella for a more melty texture.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy chicken. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, you can recreate this steakhouse favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you prefer it as a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

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Total Time 34

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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