Flavor-Packed Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Homemade Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan crusted chicken is a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table.

This crispy, golden-brown meal turns simple chicken into something special.

The mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese creates a tasty outer layer while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Recipes like this make it easy to enjoy your favorite restaurant meals at home with little fuss and lots of flavor.

Crispy and delicious, this chicken recipe makes ordinary dinners feel extraordinary.

With herbs and spices carefully chosen, parmesan crusted chicken offers a dining experience sure to wow everyone at the table.

Why Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Is A Must

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Recreate restaurant-quality chicken with minimal professional kitchen skills needed.
  • Quick Marinating Magic: One-hour marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal without complex preparation techniques.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulgent three-cheese blend creates a luxurious, creamy coating that turns simple chicken into an irresistible gourmet experience.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal cooking expertise and maximum deliciousness.

What You’ll Need For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Marinade Ingredients:
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy base that tenderizes and adds tangy flavor to chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and adds richness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep, savory undertone to the marinade.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens and tenderizes the meat.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity to the marinade.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
Chicken and Cheese Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Main protein, best when fresh and boneless.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy sauce for coating chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes to the cheese mixture.
  • Provolone Cheese: Contributes creamy, mild flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melting texture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden crust for chicken.
  • Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with color and mild herb flavor.

Step By Step Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a shallow dish and toss in:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Olive oil
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate The Chicken

Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and chill in refrigerator for one hour to lock in those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Sear To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid. Sear chicken for 5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Provolone cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Minced garlic

Heat on low, stirring constantly until cheese melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl until evenly coated.

Step 6: Cheese And Broil

Preheat oven to low broil. Spoon cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast. Broil for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Finale

Sprinkle buttered panko over cheesy chicken. Broil for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and savor the incredible layers of flavor!

Helpful Tips For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Marinate Smartly: Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a flavor booster or basting liquid during cooking.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Use low heat when combining cheeses to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
  • Breadcrumb Crispiness: Toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding melted butter for extra crunch and golden color.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular ranch for Greek yogurt ranch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe more accessible for different diets.

How To Store Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and avoiding overheating to maintain chicken's tenderness.
  • Texture Tip: Add fresh panko breadcrumbs after reheating to restore crispy crust and revive the original crunchiness.

Perfect Sides For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Crisp Chardonnay Complement: Select a medium-bodied, buttery Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to match the rich, creamy cheese and complement the chicken's savory profile.
  • Fresh Garden Salad Match: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the cheese's richness.
  • Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or zucchini with herbs, providing a tender, caramelized vegetable side that enhances the chicken's robust flavors and adds nutritional balance.
  • Herb-Infused Rice Boost: Cook wild rice pilaf with thyme and parsley to introduce a delicate, earthy undertone that complements the chicken's parmesan crust and provides a satisfying grain component.

Creative Twists On Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Low-Carb Herb Crusted Chicken: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped nuts, reducing carbohydrate content while adding rich flavor and crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, coconut milk for ranch, and dairy-free butter alternative to create a recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken FAQs

  • Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor deeply into the chicken, and keep it moist during cooking. The combination of ranch, oil, and seasonings breaks down proteins and adds rich taste.

  • Can I use different cheeses if I don't have the exact ones listed?

Yes, you can substitute similar melting cheeses like fontina, asiago, or cheddar. Just ensure they melt smoothly and complement the chicken’s flavor profile.

  • Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat ranch, Greek yogurt instead of some cheese, and baking instead of pan-searing. Opt for whole wheat panko for added nutrition.

  • What should I do if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?

Transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing. Make sure the dish can withstand high broiler temperatures and is similar in size to maintain even cooking.

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Flavor-Packed Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Flavor-Packed Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings Italian-inspired elegance to home kitchens with crispy, cheesy perfection. Creamy parmesan coating and tender chicken create a restaurant-quality meal that delights and satisfies you with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 (6-ounce / 170 grams) chicken breasts

Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup grated provolone cheese
  • ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Whisk ranch dressing, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
  3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for one hour to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  4. Preheat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and carefully place in the hot skillet.
  6. Sear chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
  7. In a separate saucepan, combine ranch dressing with Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, and garlic.
  8. Gently heat the cheese mixture over low temperature, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
  9. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl, creating a crispy topping.
  10. Set oven to low broil setting.
  11. Generously ladle the creamy cheese mixture over each seared chicken breast.
  12. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese becomes slightly golden and bubbly.
  13. Sprinkle prepared panko mixture evenly over the cheese-covered chicken.
  14. Return to broiler for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar in thickness for even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound them if needed.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, but no longer than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
  • Keep a close eye during bro
  • Prep Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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