If you’ve ever dined at LongHorn Steakhouse, you’ve likely encountered their famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s a dish that perfectly blends the savory taste of grilled chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. This delightful recipe has become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, beloved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
In this guide, we will take you through the steps to recreate LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken right at home, while also exploring the best tips and tricks for perfecting this dish. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find that making this dish at home is easier than it seems.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Many of these might already be in your kitchen, but if not, they’re easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – chicken is the base of the dish, and you want it to be tender and juicy.
- Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its flavor.
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – the star ingredient for the crust. This adds a rich, salty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs – for crunch. These breadcrumbs are essential in making the crust crispy and light.
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter – for browning the crust and adding a buttery richness.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – helps cook the chicken and gives the crust a golden, crispy texture.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – adds an aromatic touch to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano – a subtle herb that complements the flavors of the cheese and chicken.
- 1/4 cup of grated mozzarella cheese – enhances the cheesy experience and helps bind the crust together.
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream – to make a creamy, smooth sauce that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley – for garnish, adding a fresh, herbal note to the final dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Follow these easy steps to create your own version of LongHorn’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
1. Prep the Chicken
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This is crucial to enhance the natural flavor of the meat before it’s coated in the crust.
2. Prepare the Crust Mixture
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add the mozzarella cheese to the mixture and give it another stir.
3. Coat the Chicken
- In a separate shallow dish, melt butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Immediately transfer the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure that the crust adheres well to both sides of the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce.
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring it to a simmer.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly (this should take about 2-3 minutes), remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Once the chicken is cooked and the crust is crispy and golden, transfer it to a serving plate.
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your homemade LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with your favorite side dishes. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad are great options to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Creating a restaurant-quality dish at home requires attention to detail. Here are a few tips to make sure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out just like the one at LongHorn:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, which will prevent the crust from becoming crispy.
- Pound the chicken evenly: If the chicken breasts are of uneven thickness, they will cook unevenly, resulting in some parts being overcooked while others remain raw. A uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- Make it ahead of time: If you’re short on time, you can prep the chicken and crust the night before. Just refrigerate the chicken and coat it just before cooking. This also allows the crust to set properly before frying.
Why You Should Try This Recipe at Home
LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. The crispy cheese crust adds a wonderful texture to the juicy chicken, and the creamy sauce enhances every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can replicate this dish in your own kitchen, and it’s likely to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s much more affordable than dining out, and you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients.
In addition, you can make the dish even healthier by using grilled chicken instead of fried. It’s a great option for those looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Enhancing Your LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
In Part 1, we covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips to make the perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home. Now, let’s dive deeper into enhancing this dish and exploring ways to make it even more delicious. Whether you want to experiment with different flavors or add more variety to your meal, there are plenty of ways to elevate this classic recipe.
1. Creating the Perfect Side Dishes
A great main course like Parmesan Crusted Chicken deserves equally delicious sides. While the chicken itself is rich and flavorful, pairing it with the right side dishes can really bring the meal together. Here are some ideas:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food to complement the savory chicken. Their smooth texture and rich flavor balance the crispy and cheesy chicken. You can make them extra creamy by adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, garlic, and cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a light and nutritious side that contrasts well with the richness of the chicken. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Ingredients: Asparagus, carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary.
- Instructions: Chop the vegetables and toss them with olive oil and seasonings. Roast until tender and slightly crispy.
Caesar Salad
For a refreshing contrast, serve a Caesar salad. The tangy, creamy dressing paired with the crunch of romaine lettuce works wonderfully with the crispy chicken.
- Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, Parmesan cheese.
- Instructions: Toss the lettuce with the dressing, top with croutons, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.
2. Creative Variations of the Parmesan Crust
While the traditional Parmesan crust is delicious, there are ways to get even more creative with the flavors. Experiment with different types of cheeses, herbs, and seasonings to customize the dish to your liking.
Cheese Variations
Instead of just using Parmesan and mozzarella, you can experiment with a variety of cheeses for a unique twist on the crust. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Gruyère: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the savory taste of the chicken.
- Cheddar: Provides a sharper, tangy flavor that contrasts well with the creamy sauce.
- Provolone: Offers a slightly smoky flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Mix and match these cheeses with your breadcrumbs to create a crust that suits your taste buds.
Herbs and Spices
To elevate the flavor of the crust, try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary. You can also introduce a bit of heat with crushed red pepper flakes or smoky paprika. Here’s how you can incorporate them into the mixture:
- Basil and Oregano: These herbs pair beautifully with the Parmesan and bring an Italian flair to the dish.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For a deeper, savory taste, add garlic and onion powder to your crust mix.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a touch of lemon zest will infuse a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Crispy Panko with Herbs
Consider adding herb-infused breadcrumbs to your mix. The combination of crispy panko breadcrumbs with rosemary, thyme, or sage adds an extra layer of depth. You can either make your own breadcrumbs or purchase store-bought varieties and mix them with fresh or dried herbs.
3. Grilling vs. Pan-Seared Chicken
While the traditional Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe calls for pan-searing, you can opt for grilling the chicken for a healthier alternative. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy Parmesan crust.
Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you want to make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken healthier or if you’re craving that grill flavor, here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they’re fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Once grilled, dip the chicken in melted butter and coat with the Parmesan crust mixture.
- Place the crusted chicken back on the grill for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the crust.
The result is a smoky, crispy crust on juicy chicken, adding a new layer of flavor to this classic recipe.
4. Making it Healthier
For those who are conscious of calories but still want to enjoy this dish, there are some easy swaps that can make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Grilled Chicken
As mentioned above, grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it reduces the amount of oil used, making it a healthier option. You can also opt for skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs
Switching out regular panko breadcrumbs for whole wheat panko gives the crust a more wholesome texture while adding fiber to the dish.
Lightened-Up Sauce
To make the creamy sauce lighter, use low-fat cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a bit of chicken broth for a thinner consistency while keeping the creamy flavor intact.
5. Perfecting the Sauces
A key component of LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the creamy sauce that pairs so wonderfully with the crispy crust. You can play around with the flavor profile of the sauce to suit your tastes.
Lemon Butter Sauce
A tangy, buttery sauce with a splash of lemon adds a refreshing burst of citrus. This can balance the richness of the Parmesan crust and make the dish feel lighter.
- Ingredients: Butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and lemon zest, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth, cooking until thickened.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
For an extra indulgent experience, use a garlic Parmesan sauce. Combine heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety, cheesy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Ingredients: Heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Heat butter in a saucepan, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens.
6. Pairing with Wine
For the ultimate dining experience, you’ll want to pair your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with the right wine. A rich white wine, like Chardonnay, works beautifully with the creamy sauce and cheesy crust. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir.
7. Meal Prep and Storage Tips
If you want to make your LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time, it’s easy to do. Simply prepare the chicken and crust mixture, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just coat the chicken in the crust and proceed with the recipe.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain its crispy texture.
Conclusion
LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen and even give it your own personal twist. Whether you opt for grilling, try new cheeses, or experiment with sides, this dish will continue to impress your family and guests.
Now that you’ve learned how to perfect the recipe and add your own variations, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this delicious meal!