How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with 4 Delicious Sides

Longhorn Steakhouse opened its doors in 1981 and grew to more than 500 locations across the United States. Their Parmesan Crusted Chicken quickly became a menu favorite that customers love.

A seared chicken breast makes an impressive sight with its melted blend of mozzarella and fresh Parmesan cheese. You can prepare this delicious meal in about 30 minutes. The dish creates layers of flavor by combining juicy chicken with rich garlic butter and a crispy Parmesan topping.

Your family and guests will love this beloved Longhorn Steakhouse classic. You’ll find three different ways to make it right in your kitchen. The recipe needs just four simple steps to deliver restaurant-quality results, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ready to become skilled at making Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Let’s try the classic, air fryer, and healthy baked methods!

Classic Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

A perfect Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken depends on quality ingredients and techniques that make this dish special.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Crust

The signature crust needs freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality Provolone. You should avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents. The distinctive topping requires buttermilk ranch dressing, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.

The marinade combines olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. This blend creates the chicken’s rich flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness
2. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight to deepen flavor
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat
4. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown
5. Mix Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing
6. Top chicken with cheese mixture
7. Add panko-butter coating
8. Broil at 450°F for 3-5 minutes

Tips to Achieve Restaurant-Quality Results

A meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. The chicken needs a brief rest after cooking to stay juicy.

Fresh-shredded cheese from the block melts better. The chicken should not be moved during searing to create that golden-brown crust.

Mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs before topping to get the perfect crust texture. Watch the broiling process carefully until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown without burning.

Crispy Air Fryer Version

Make your favorite Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken healthier with an air fryer. You’ll use less oil while keeping that signature crispy texture.

Adapting the Recipe for Air Fryer

Start by butterflying your chicken breasts widthwise to create thinner pieces that cook evenly. Air frying needs just a light spray coating of oil to achieve that golden-brown finish, unlike traditional methods.

Set up three separate stations to coat your chicken: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. The egg wash stage needs complete coverage to keep the coating stuck to the chicken while it cooks.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Your air fryer should be set to 375°F for the best results. Cooking times vary based on your chicken breast size:

• Small breasts (4-5 oz): 10-12 minutes
• Medium breasts (6-8 oz): 13-15 minutes
• Large breasts (9-12 oz): 16-20 minutes

Tests on air fryers of all types show that flipping the chicken halfway through will give you even browning. The chicken’s internal temperature should hit 165°F to be safe to eat.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Coating

Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray before adding the chicken to get the best crispiness. A light spray on any visible flour spots during cooking will prevent dry patches.

For superior results:

1. Give each piece enough space – lay chicken in a single layer
2. Let the coating set on chicken for 3-4 minutes before cooking
3. Keep cooked chicken warm at 225°F while finishing other batches

A quick oil spray helps crisp up any floury spots you see while cooking. Your finished chicken should have a golden-brown crust and stay perfectly juicy inside.

Healthy Baked Alternative

You’ll find a lighter version of the beloved longhorn parmesan crusted chicken that keeps its signature taste while cutting down on calories. This health-conscious adaptation works especially when you have to watch your dietary intake.

Lightened-Up Ingredient Substitutions

We modified the traditional recipe to create a nutritious alternative that contains only 400-423 calories per serving. You can replace regular breadcrumbs with these healthier options:

• Crushed cornflakes for gluten-free needs
• Almond meal for low-carb priorities
• Whole wheat panko for added fiber

Low-fat sour cream makes a great substitute for regular mayonnaise. In fact, shredded Parmesan cheese works better than grated varieties and creates a crispier texture while using less quantity.

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guide

Your oven should be set to 450°F for the best results. This higher temperature will give a crispy exterior without needing excess oil. The breaded chicken should go on a parchment-lined baking sheet or non-stick tray.

The cooking process has two phases:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown
2. Add marinara sauce and cheese, then broil for 2-3 minutes

Maintaining Flavor While Reducing Calories

Getting that restaurant-quality taste needs attention to detail. A light brush of olive oil or cooking spray before baking helps achieve the desired crispiness without extra fat.

Tips to keep the flavor intact:

• Beat chicken breasts flat between cling film for even cooking
• Mix Italian seasoning with the breadcrumb coating
• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving

This recipe has 600 fewer calories than restaurant versions. The dish pairs perfectly with grilled tomatoes and seasonal greens to complete this nutritious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Becoming skilled at Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken needs attention to detail. You should avoid common pitfalls that can affect your results. These vital elements will help you make restaurant-quality chicken every time.

Proper Chicken Preparation Techniques

We started by cutting chicken breasts horizontally through the middle to create even-thickness cutlets. Slicing works better than pounding because pounding can tear the meat.

The best results come from:

• Paper towels help dry the chicken completely so the coating sticks better
• Salt and pepper should go on both the chicken and coating
• The breaded chicken needs 10 minutes of rest time to help the coating stick

Coating and Seasoning Errors

The biggest problem happens when you season just the breading mixture. You need to season both the chicken and coating to get balanced flavor. The order of breading changes things by a lot – flour first, then egg wash, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.

Watch out for these coating mistakes:

1. Skipping the flour step before egg wash
2. Not letting excess egg drip off
3. Making the coating too thick
4. Moving the chicken too much while cooking

Each layer should be thin and even to help the coating stick better. Mix those eggs really well because uneven egg wash creates patchy coating.

Temperature Control Tips

The right temperature is a vital part of perfect results. The oven needs 450°F for baked versions. Your oil should be hot enough to make a golden crust without burning when pan-frying.

Keep an eye on these temperature points:

• Chicken must hit 165°F inside to be safe
• Lower the heat right away if breadcrumbs brown too fast
• A quick rest after cooking makes juicier chicken

Good temperature control needs patience – leave that chicken alone during the first cooking phase. Different cooking methods need different temperatures: 400°F works for regular baking, 375°F for air frying, and 450°F gives you that amazing crispy crust.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The right storage and reheating methods help keep your longhorn parmesan crusted chicken’s amazing taste and texture. You can enjoy restaurant-quality results with each serving.

Prep and Storage Guidelines

Let your parmesan crusted chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. Wrap each piece with care to keep the cool air from drying out the chicken. You can keep the chicken fresh in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days.

You can prep ahead by marinating the chicken in egg wash overnight. This helps develop deeper flavors. You can also pound and bread the chicken up to 4 hours before cooking. Just keep it uncovered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Reheating Instructions

Take the chicken out and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating. Here are the best ways to reheat:

• Oven Method: Heat your oven to 400°F. Put the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 15 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Set to 400°F and heat for 5-8 minutes.
• Microwave: Use 50% power for 2-3 minutes and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to keep it moist.

Put parchment paper between chicken layers to prevent sogginess. Don’t stack pieces directly on top of each other – this will ruin the crispy coating.

Freezing and Thawing Methods

Your parmesan crusted chicken will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Here’s how to freeze it:

1. Let chicken cool to room temperature
2. Space pieces apart on a baking sheet
3. Flash freeze for 1-2 hours until solid
4. Move to freezer bags and remove extra air

Raw and cooked chicken both freeze well. Flash freeze cooked portions separately before putting them in freezer bags. The chicken should thaw overnight in your fridge before reheating.

Tips for cooking frozen chicken:

• Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes straight from frozen
• Keep pieces separate while reheating
• Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F

Conclusion

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken shines as a flexible dish you can prepare by pan-searing, air frying, or baking. Your success depends on how well you prepare the chicken, control the temperature, and combine the ingredients.

You can achieve the signature crispy Parmesan crust with any cooking method you choose. The traditional restaurant-style preparation or a healthier alternative will give you professional results at home with these detailed techniques.

This crowd-pleasing dish deserves a spot in your regular menu rotation. You can prepare portions ahead of time and store them for later use. On top of that, it lets you customize ingredients while keeping the core flavors intact to fit dietary priorities of all types.

You’ll lift your cooking skills and bring restaurant quality to your family table once you become skilled at making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Focus on proper preparation, precise cooking temperatures, and careful storage methods to get delicious results every time.

How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with 4 Delicious Sides

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a seared chicken breast topped with a blend of mozzarella and fresh Parmesan cheeses, complemented by a crispy Parmesan crust. This dish combines juicy chicken with rich garlic butter and a crispy Parmesan topping, offering layers of flavor.

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes (including marination)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness.
• Marinate chicken in a mixture of buttermilk ranch dressing and Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
• In a bowl, combine provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter.
• Place seared chicken on a baking sheet.
• Top each piece with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and meltability.
• Monitor broiling closely to prevent burning.
• For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese options.

• Author: EVA CHEF
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding marination time)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing and baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast per serving
• Calories: Approximately 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 150mg