Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious!

There’s something magical about the crispy, golden, Parmesan-coated chicken at Longhorn Steakhouse. Its rich garlic sauce, crunchy crust, and tender chicken make it a standout on the menu. What if you could recreate that indulgent experience at home? Well, guess what—you can! This copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe will help you make a restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe will deliver all the flavors you love.

What is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fan-favorite dish known for its crispy, flavorful Parmesan crust and the rich, creamy garlic sauce that accompanies it. What makes this dish so irresistible is the perfect combination of textures. The outside is golden and crunchy, thanks to the Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, while the inside stays juicy and tender.

This dish is typically served with a creamy garlic sauce that’s not just a topping—it’s an essential part of the experience, adding a richness that complements the crispiness of the chicken.

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this dish so special:

• Golden, crispy crust: The Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crunch.
• Juicy chicken breast: When cooked properly, the chicken stays moist and tender inside.
• Creamy garlic sauce: This indulgent sauce is the finishing touch, rich and savory with a hint of garlic and a touch of lemon.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To recreate the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to deliver that signature flavor.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 pieces	For best results, use medium-sized chicken breasts.
All-purpose flour	1 cup	For dredging the chicken before breading.
Eggs	2 large	Beaten to help the breading stick.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese	1 cup	Freshly grated for the best flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs	1 cup	Light and crispy, perfect for breading.
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Adds flavor to the breading.
Salt and pepper	To taste	For seasoning the chicken and crust.
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For frying the chicken before baking.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Heavy cream	1 cup	Adds richness to the sauce.
Butter	2 tbsp	For a creamy texture and flavor.
Fresh garlic (minced)	2 cloves	For a punch of garlic flavor.
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Balances the richness of the sauce.
Salt and pepper	To taste	To season the sauce perfectly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts

Before you begin breading the chicken, you need to prepare it:

1. Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1 inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will help the crust stick better. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse the meat with flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Parmesan Crust

The next step is to create the crispy, golden Parmesan crust.

1. Set up Your Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow dishes for this:
   • Flour in the first dish for dredging the chicken.
   • Beaten eggs in the second dish to help the breading adhere.
   • A mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
2. Coat the Chicken: Begin by dredging each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Dip the chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then coat it with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

There are two great methods to cook the chicken: pan-frying and baking. You can choose either depending on your preference.

Pan-Frying:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
3. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and proceed to the next step.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is crispy.

Step 4: Making the Garlic Cream Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce.

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir occasionally for 3-4 minutes as the sauce thickens.
4. Add the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat.

Tips for Serving the Perfect Meal

To serve this dish like a pro, pair it with these sides:

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and green beans balance the richness of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side to complement the crispy chicken.
• Caesar Salad: Add a crisp salad for a bit of freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Storing: Keep the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. The chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Conclusion

Making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is easier than you think, and the results are just as delicious as the original. With a crispy Parmesan crust, juicy chicken, and a creamy garlic sauce, this dish has everything you love in one plate. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests with your culinary skills. Try this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will work well if you prefer dark meat. Just cook a little longer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I prepare the breadcrumbs ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is cooked through but still moist.
4. Can I add herbs to the breadcrumb mixture?
   Definitely! Feel free to add dried oregano, parsley, or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.