Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

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I’ve always been a sucker for cheesy, crispy, flavorful chicken dinners, and the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken has been one of my favorites for years. One evening, after yet another memorable meal at Longhorn, I decided it was high time I brought this comforting dish into my own kitchen. After a few tests and tweaks, I’ve perfected my own version that hits all the right notes — juicy chicken, a golden Parmesan crust, and that irresistible creamy ranch sauce drizzled on top.

What I love about making this at home is how easy it is to impress. The aroma alone — toasted breadcrumbs mingling with Parmesan and juicy chicken — is enough to make everyone at the table impatient to dig in. I also appreciate how versatile it is. Some nights I pair it with a crisp green salad, other times I serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even pasta for something more indulgent. This recipe really brings a restaurant-worthy experience right into my kitchen.

As I share my recipe with you, I’m confident it will become a staple in your home as it has in mine. And if you enjoy comforting main dishes like this one, you might also want to check out my creamy beef and shells or my one-pot smoked sausage pasta for equally satisfying meals.

Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is everything you crave from a restaurant meal but without the price tag. The chicken comes out perfectly moist thanks to a clever baking method, while the crust stays crisp and flavorful. The creamy ranch sauce on top adds just the right amount of tang and richness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to get rave reviews. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts are the star of the show, providing a lean, juicy base for all that cheesy goodness. Grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the crispy, savory crust that defines this dish. Panko breadcrumbs add a light, airy crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning bring a warm, aromatic flavor to the coating. A bit of olive oil helps everything brown beautifully in the oven. Finally, creamy ranch dressing is drizzled over the finished chicken for a rich, tangy finish that ties it all together.

How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is your crunchy, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, drizzle creamy ranch dressing over the chicken just before serving. This creamy, tangy sauce elevates the dish and makes it irresistible.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily adapt this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken to suit your preferences. Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you like a richer, juicier cut. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. If you want a little heat, mix some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also experiment with other cheeses, like Pecorino Romano or even a touch of sharp cheddar, to switch up the flavor profile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This chicken goes beautifully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic comfort meal. A crisp Caesar salad and some warm dinner rolls make it feel like a real steakhouse experience at home. For something lighter, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crispy, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, rather than microwaving. You can also freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

FAQs

How do I keep Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken from drying out?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and not overbaking it are key to keeping it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and no more.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan has better flavor and melts into the crust more nicely.

Can Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken be made ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Drizzle the ranch just before serving.

Is it possible to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken without ranch?

Of course! You can skip the ranch or use a creamy Caesar or blue cheese dressing instead.

What sides go best with Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad all pair wonderfully with this chicken.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try my cheesy baked tortellini with meat sauce. It’s another comforting, cheesy dish that brings that restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table.

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