This mouthwatering Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a steakhouse classic you can recreate right in your own kitchen. With juicy pan-seared chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch dressing and a crunchy topping of three cheeses and crispy panko, it hits every savory note.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence, this dish is easy to prepare yet rich enough to impress. The garlic and onion spices build bold flavor, while the melted cheese topping adds a comforting, indulgent touch. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spread a layer of ranch dressing on top of each piece.
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In a bowl, mix Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and panko. Press this mixture onto the ranch-covered chicken.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken – A Restaurant-Style Classic Made Easy at Home
Craving that iconic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken but don’t want to leave your house? You’re not alone! This indulgent, juicy, cheese-topped chicken dish has become a cult favorite among food lovers for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. The great news is, you can now recreate this savory masterpiece right in your own kitchen, using everyday ingredients and simple techniques that deliver exceptional results.
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken isn’t just your average chicken dinner. It’s a carefully layered creation: pan-seared chicken breasts that are juicy and tender, topped with creamy ranch dressing, then generously blanketed with a crisp, cheesy crust that brings flavor, texture, and indulgence together in each bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or impressing guests over the weekend, this dish never disappoints.
Let’s dive into what makes this chicken recipe so special, how you can make it your own, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.
What Makes This Parmesan Crusted Chicken So Irresistible?
The real magic behind this dish is the combination of textures and flavors. You start with chicken breasts that are seasoned to perfection, pan-seared until golden, and then finished in the oven under a blanket of cheesy, herby goodness. The ranch dressing acts as a flavor amplifier, moistening the chicken while adding zesty tang, and the Parmesan-panko topping brings a perfectly crispy finish.
This recipe mimics the famous dish from Longhorn Steakhouse, known for its rich, flavorful topping and steakhouse-worthy presentation. But at home, you get to control the quality of the ingredients and personalize it based on your taste and dietary needs.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
This dish is incredibly well-balanced in terms of flavor:
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Savory: Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing provide that bold umami punch.
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Creamy: The cheese blend and ranch dressing melt together to form a creamy, gooey topping.
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Crispy: Panko breadcrumbs toast beautifully in the oven, offering crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken.
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Herby: Garlic and onion powder in the seasoning blend bring in a warm, aromatic base.
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Tangy: Ranch dressing adds a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
The result is a dish that feels indulgent but isn’t overly complicated to make.
Ingredients that Bring the Dish to Life
The beauty of this recipe is that it requires ingredients that are both accessible and affordable. Here’s a deeper look at some of the essential components:
Chicken Breasts
Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re too thick, slice them horizontally or pound them out to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese not only adds sharp, nutty flavor but also helps create that crispy golden topping when broiled. Try to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
Provolone and Mozzarella
These cheeses melt beautifully. Provolone offers a slightly smoky edge, while mozzarella adds creaminess. You could also substitute with Monterey Jack or Fontina if desired.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko adds the crunch factor. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which makes the topping extra crispy.
Ranch Dressing
A layer of ranch on top of the chicken before adding the cheese mix brings moisture, flavor, and tang. Use store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer.
Olive Oil & Seasonings
Pan-searing the chicken in olive oil brings depth of flavor, while garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a delicious seasoning foundation.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish is flexible enough for both casual and formal dining situations. Here are a few occasions where this recipe shines:
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Weeknight Dinner: A great way to bring excitement to your weekday meals without too much effort.
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Dinner Party or Date Night: It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish, so it’s perfect when you want to impress.
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Holiday Gatherings: Make a big batch and serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
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Meal Prep: Leftovers store beautifully and can be enjoyed over salads or inside sandwiches.
Recommended Sides to Pair With
A rich and cheesy chicken dish like this one pair well with lighter, fresher sides to balance out the richness:
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Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work well.
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Garden Salad: A crisp side salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the cheese.
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Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Herb Rice: Great for soaking up extra sauce.
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Buttered Corn or Glazed Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness to contrast the savory notes.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations:
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Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the panko and replace it with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
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Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch before spreading it on the chicken.
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Italian-Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the cheese topping for a Mediterranean twist.
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Bacon-Lovers: Top with cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish stores quite well for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
To reheat:
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Use an oven or toaster oven to retain the crispy topping (350°F for 10–12 minutes).
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Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy.
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You can also freeze individual portions for up to 1 month, though fresh is always best.
Nutrition Overview
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional profile per serving (based on 4 servings total):
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: ~35g
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Fat: ~25g
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Carbohydrates: ~6g
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Fiber: <1g
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Sugar: ~1g
This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb or keto-friendly diets with a few minor tweaks.
Tips for Recipe Success
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Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to exactly 165°F without overcooking.
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Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken; work in batches if necessary.
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Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that inhibit melting.
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Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices can redistribute.
Conclusion
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just a meal, it’s a flavor experience. It combines crispy, cheesy, creamy, and savory elements in one dish that feels luxurious without being overly fussy. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite restaurant order or looking to elevate your home cooking game, this recipe hits the spot.
The balance of textures, flavors, and the simplicity of preparation make it a must-try. Plus, its flexibility means it can be adapted for various dietary needs and flavor preferences. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, one that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy, comforting, and downright delicious, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken should be your go-to. You’ll skip the steakhouse lines and serve up restaurant-level flavor, right from your own kitchen.