Copycat Longhorn Chicken brings that beloved restaurant flavor right into your kitchen. This easy Parmesan chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of savory seasonings and a crispy topping. Enjoy a fantastic homemade dinner with simple steps, achieving a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies everyone at your table.
Key Takeaways
- Recreate Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.
- Enjoy a healthier, budget-friendly restaurant-quality dinner.
- Learn to season, sear, and bake chicken to perfection.
- Master the crispy crumb topping and golden cheese finish.
- Quick preparation and cooking for a delightful meal.
Make dinner memorable tonight. Impress your family easily. This Parmesan chicken dish is truly delicious. Simple steps yield big, satisfying flavor. Enjoy amazing homemade food with confidence.
Make Copycat Longhorn Chicken At Home
Creating your favorite restaurant meals right in your own kitchen is incredibly rewarding, and the Copycat Longhorn Chicken is no exception. This recipe allows you to replicate the much-loved Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse, providing a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, generously coated in a savory, crispy Parmesan crust, and topped with melted Provolone cheese. It’s a meal that feels special, yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
What makes this dish special?
The allure of this dish lies in its exquisite balance of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the Parmesan breading, followed by the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken. The melted cheese adds a creamy, savory layer, making it truly irresistible. What makes it genuinely special is the ability to achieve that signature restaurant-quality taste and presentation without ever leaving your home. You gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality, which often surpasses what you might find dining out.
Enjoying restaurant quality at home
Bringing restaurant quality into your home means you can enjoy a gourmet experience in a comfortable setting. This easy honey garlic chicken recipe, much like our Copycat Longhorn Chicken, lets you tailor the meal to your preferences, from seasoning levels to side dishes. Preparing this dish at home saves you money, provides a healthier alternative to eating out, and gives you the satisfaction of crafting a delicious meal from scratch. It’s an ideal way to celebrate a special evening or simply elevate a regular weeknight dinner, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure for your family and guests. Plus, you get to skip the wait times and enjoy your meal exactly how and when you want it.
Why Make This Delicious Chicken At Home?
Opting to make this delicious Copycat Longhorn Chicken at home brings a multitude of advantages beyond just replicating a popular dish. It’s about empowering yourself with culinary skills, saving resources, and ensuring the best for your loved ones. In today’s busy world, finding meals that are both quick and nutritious is a priority for many. This Parmesan chicken recipe hits all those marks, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation.
Save time with quick preparation
One of the most compelling reasons to prepare this dish at home is its incredible time efficiency. Unlike many restaurant-style dishes that seem daunting, this recipe is designed for quick preparation. With just about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, you can have your chicken seasoned, coated, and ready for the oven. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The active cooking steps are streamlined, allowing you to quickly move from raw ingredients to a delightful plated meal. This efficiency means more time for family, relaxation, or tackling other tasks, without compromising on taste or quality. For more quick and delightful dinners, explore our collection.
Control ingredients for healthier eating
Another significant benefit of cooking at home is the complete control you gain over the ingredients. When you make Copycat Longhorn Chicken, you decide exactly what goes into your meal. This means you can choose fresh, high-quality chicken, select your preferred brands of cheese and breadcrumbs, and even adjust the amount of oil and salt used. This level of control is crucial for healthier eating, especially if you have specific dietary needs or preferences. You can opt for lower-sodium seasonings, whole-wheat breadcrumbs, or organic chicken, ensuring your meal aligns with your health goals. This ability to customize makes your homemade version potentially much healthier than its restaurant counterpart, often prepared with more butter, oil, and hidden ingredients. It’s a smart choice for those mindful of their diet without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Copycat Parmesan Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating an exceptional Copycat Longhorn Chicken. This recipe relies on a combination of fresh chicken, robust cheeses, and aromatic pantry staples to build its signature flavor profile. The beauty of this dish lies in its accessibility; most items can be found readily at your local grocery store, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
Chicken breasts and cheese types
At the heart of this dish are the chicken breasts. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are evenly sized, or butterfly larger ones to ensure they cook uniformly. Uniform thickness is key for consistent tenderness. For the cheeses, we use a dynamic duo: grated Parmesan cheese for the crispy coating and slices of Provolone cheese for melting on top. High-quality Parmesan cheese provides a sharp, salty depth to the breading, while Provolone offers a milder, creamy counterpoint that melts beautifully, creating a luscious layer over the chicken.
Pantry staples for flavor
The remaining ingredients are mostly common pantry staples that contribute significantly to the dish’s overall flavor. You’ll need plain breadcrumbs to form the crispy crust, along with melted butter or olive oil to bind them and help achieve that golden brown finish. A blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning, combined with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, will infuse the chicken with savory notes. Don’t forget a little flour for dredging the chicken, which helps the seasoning and breading adhere perfectly. Having these basic items on hand means you’re always just a few steps away from a gourmet meal.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
Having the correct kitchen equipment makes all the difference when preparing any recipe, and our Copycat Longhorn Chicken is no exception. While you don’t need any specialized gadgets, a few standard items will ensure a smooth and successful cooking process. These tools are common in most kitchens, meaning you likely already own everything necessary to get started on this delicious Parmesan chicken.
Essential kitchen tools
The most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe is an oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan. This allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer it directly to the oven for baking, minimizing cleanup and ensuring an even cook. A sturdy set of tongs will be invaluable for handling the chicken safely and turning it during searing. You’ll also need a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper, for any overflow or if you prefer to transfer the chicken after searing. Finally, a reliable meat thermometer is absolutely essential to guarantee your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature, ensuring both safety and optimal juiciness. This is also key for recipes like our crispy parmesan chicken with a rich garlic sauce, where precise cooking is paramount.
Measuring and mixing items
For accurate preparation, you’ll need standard measuring and mixing items. A set of measuring cups and spoons will ensure precise quantities for your seasonings and crumb topping, which is vital for consistency in flavor and texture. You’ll need at least two shallow dishes or plates: one for the flour dredge and another for the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. These dishes make the coating process much easier and cleaner. Additionally, a couple of mixing bowls will be necessary for combining your dry seasonings and for preparing the breadcrumb topping. A whisk or fork can be used for mixing ingredients thoroughly. With these simple tools, you’re well-equipped to create a fantastic restaurant-quality meal at home.
Preparation: Season and Sear Chicken
The initial preparation steps—seasoning and searing—are critical for building the foundational flavors and textures of your Copycat Longhorn Chicken. Don’t underestimate the power of these first few actions, as they significantly impact the final taste and appearance of your Parmesan chicken dish. Proper execution here sets you up for a truly delicious result.
Seasoning chicken for flavor
Before any cooking begins, it’s essential to prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can hinder proper browning during searing and prevent the seasoning and breading from adhering effectively. Once dry, lightly dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour. The flour creates a thin, even surface that helps the subsequent seasonings and crumb coating stick better. Next, generously season both sides of the floured chicken with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; this is where much of the savory flavor infusion occurs. Massage the spices gently into the chicken, ensuring an even coating that penetrates the surface and prepares the meat for searing.
Browning chicken in a skillet
Searing the chicken is the next vital step, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust and locking in juices. Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil or butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until a rich golden-brown crust forms. This initial sear doesn’t cook the chicken through but develops a deep, caramelized flavor and a pleasant exterior texture that will hold up beautifully during baking. Once both sides are nicely browned, remove the chicken from the skillet for a moment to prepare your topping, or if your skillet is large enough, you can set it aside in the pan while you mix the crumbs.
Mixing the Parmesan Crumb Topping
The crispy Parmesan crumb topping is undeniably the star of this Copycat Longhorn Chicken recipe, providing that characteristic crunch and savory flavor that makes the dish so appealing. Creating this topping requires a simple combination of ingredients, but understanding how they interact is key to achieving the perfect texture and golden finish. This layer will transform humble chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Combining dry and wet ingredients
To begin, in a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness), grated Parmesan cheese, and a medley of dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and a touch more garlic powder. The Panko breadcrumbs are preferred over regular breadcrumbs due to their larger, flakier texture, which results in a much crispier coating. The Parmesan cheese not only adds a salty, umami flavor but also contributes to the browning process, creating a rich, golden hue. Once these dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, slowly drizzle in melted unsalted butter. The butter acts as a binder, helping the crumbs adhere to the chicken, and also contributes to the beautiful browning and rich flavor. Ensure every crumb is coated with butter for uniform crispiness.
Preparing the crispy layer
After incorporating the melted butter, the mixture should resemble coarse, moist sand. This texture is ideal for forming a crispy, flavorful layer. Take each seared chicken breast and generously press the Parmesan crumb mixture onto the top surface, ensuring a thick and even coating. Don’t be afraid to really pack it on; a good layer means a fantastic crust. If you’re cooking multiple chicken breasts, arrange them back in your oven-safe skillet, or transfer them to a baking sheet if your skillet is not large enough for all pieces to lay flat without touching. This meticulous application of the crumb topping is what gives the Copycat Longhorn Chicken its signature appearance and incredibly satisfying texture, promising a delightful crunch with every bite after baking.
Baking Chicken to Internal Temperature
Once the chicken is seared and topped with its delicious Parmesan crumb coating, the next crucial step is baking it to perfection. Baking not only finishes cooking the chicken through but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the crumb topping to become truly golden and crisp. Precision in temperature and timing is essential here to ensure juicy, safe, and delicious results.
Oven temperature and cooking time
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature is ideal for cooking chicken breasts evenly without drying them out. Carefully place your oven-safe skillet, with the crusted chicken breasts, into the preheated oven. If you transferred the chicken to a baking sheet, place that in the oven instead. The baking time will typically range from 20 to 25 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the accuracy of your oven. It’s important to monitor the chicken as it bakes. You’ll notice the crumb topping becoming progressively golden and firm, and the chicken itself will become opaque throughout. This stage is all about gentle cooking that allows the internal temperature to rise while keeping the chicken moist.
Ensuring chicken is fully cooked
The most important aspect of baking chicken is ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature. While visual cues like opacity are helpful, the most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bone. The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature after the initial baking time, return it to the oven for a few more minutes and check again. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry, tough chicken. Achieving the correct internal temperature ensures your chicken is both safe and deliciously tender, ready for the final, cheesy flourish.
Adding Cheese and Broiling to Crisp
The final touches to your Copycat Longhorn Chicken are what truly elevate it from a simple baked chicken dish to a show-stopping restaurant-quality meal. Adding a layer of melty cheese and giving it a quick broil creates a beautiful, bubbly, and extra-crispy finish that is incredibly appealing to both the eyes and the palate. This step is quick, but requires close attention for perfect results.
Layering Provolone cheese
Once your chicken has baked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Parmesan crumb topping is golden, it’s time for the Provolone. Carefully remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven. Evenly lay a slice or two of Provolone cheese over the top of each chicken breast, directly on top of the crispy Parmesan crumb layer. The residual heat from the chicken and the pan will already start to soften the cheese, preparing it for its final melt. Provolone is an excellent choice here because it melts smoothly and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the savory chicken and sharp Parmesan without overpowering them. This layer adds another dimension of richness and moisture to the dish.
Broiling for golden, crispy finish
With the Provolone in place, it’s time to achieve that irresistible golden, bubbly top. Return the skillet or baking sheet to the oven, placing it under the broiler. This step is quick and demands your full attention. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and watch the chicken continuously. Broil for just 1-3 minutes, or until the Provolone cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has developed a beautiful golden-brown color around the edges. The crumb topping beneath the cheese will also crisp up further, creating an amazing texture contrast. Be extremely careful not to let it burn, as broilers can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Serving Your Copycat Longhorn Dinner
Once your Copycat Longhorn Chicken emerges from the oven—golden, crispy, and bubbling with melted cheese—it’s ready to be the star of your dinner table. Presenting this dish thoughtfully enhances the overall dining experience, making it feel even more like a special restaurant meal at home. The final garnishes and thoughtful side pairings truly complete this delicious homemade dinner.
Garnish with fresh parsley
Before serving, a simple yet effective touch is to garnish your Parmesan chicken with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green of the parsley provides a beautiful visual contrast against the golden-brown chicken and the white of the melted cheese, making the dish look even more appetizing. Beyond aesthetics, fresh parsley also adds a subtle hint of herbaceous freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives could also work for a similar effect. This small step makes a big difference in presentation, signaling to your diners that a delicious, well-prepared meal awaits them.
Serve hot with favorite sides
Copycat Longhorn Chicken is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven. The crispy topping and tender chicken are at their peak when warm. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up any delicious juices and provide a comforting counterpoint. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans offer a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the chicken. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette is another excellent option to add a refreshing element to your meal. You could also try a side of buttery pasta or rice pilaf. The key is to choose sides that complement the chicken without overpowering its fantastic flavor, making for a truly satisfying and complete dinner.
Helpful Tips for Best Chicken Result
Achieving the perfect Copycat Longhorn Chicken is well within reach, especially with a few insider tips to guide you. These subtle adjustments and careful observations can elevate your dish from good to absolutely fantastic, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal every time. Pay attention to these details for a truly memorable Parmesan chicken.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice
A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can work wonders for this dish. While it might seem like a minor addition, the acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness of the cheese and the savory chicken, brightening all the flavors. It adds a zesty, fresh counterpoint that makes each bite more vibrant and less heavy. This trick is often used in professional kitchens to balance rich dishes. Don’t drench it, just a light squeeze over each serving will do the trick, adding a subtle tang that complements the herbaceous notes and cheese beautifully. It’s a quick way to add a layer of complex flavor.
Watch broiler closely for crispness
The broiling step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden, bubbly cheese and an extra-crisp topping, but it’s also the stage where things can go wrong quickly. Broilers are powerful, and food can go from perfectly browned to burnt in a matter of seconds. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to watch the chicken continuously while it’s under the broiler. Do not walk away from the oven. Keep the oven door slightly ajar so you can observe the browning process. Once the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden-brown at the edges, and the topping looks adequately crispy, remove the chicken immediately. This vigilance ensures you get that desired crispy, cheesy finish without any burnt spots, creating a visually appealing and delicious final product. For more cooking tips and inspiration, check out our social media on Instagram.
Nutrition Facts for Parmesan Chicken Dish
Understanding the nutrition facts for your homemade Copycat Longhorn Chicken can be beneficial, especially if you’re mindful of your dietary intake. While exact values can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes, we can provide a general idea of what to expect from this delicious Parmesan chicken recipe. Making it at home often allows for healthier modifications compared to restaurant versions.
Calories per serving
A single serving of this homemade Parmesan chicken is generally estimated to be between 450-600 calories. This figure accounts for the chicken breast, flour dredge, butter, breadcrumbs, and cheeses used. Keep in mind that this is an estimate; using leaner chicken breasts, reducing the amount of butter in the crumb topping, or opting for low-fat cheeses can help lower the calorie count. Paired with light, fresh side dishes, this can still be a balanced and satisfying meal, offering a good source of protein to keep you feeling full and energized. Restaurant versions might often contain higher calorie counts due to additional oils and larger serving sizes.
Servings per recipe
This Copycat Longhorn Chicken recipe is typically designed to yield 4 servings, assuming you use four average-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This makes it an ideal meal for a family dinner or for meal prepping a few healthy lunches throughout the week. If you need to feed more people, simply scale up the ingredients accordingly. When considering the nutrition facts, always remember that these are calculated per serving, so larger portions will naturally increase your caloric and nutrient intake. Adjusting serving sizes and ingredient quantities at home gives you significant flexibility to tailor the meal to your specific nutritional needs and preferences.
Total Time: Make This Dish in Minutes
One of the most attractive features of this Copycat Longhorn Chicken recipe is its remarkable efficiency. Despite delivering a restaurant-quality taste, the overall time investment is surprisingly minimal, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time. This Parmesan chicken truly lives up to its promise of being made in minutes.
Quick preparation in 15 minutes
The hands-on preparation for this dish is incredibly quick, requiring just about 15 minutes of your time. This includes patting dry and seasoning the chicken, dredging it in flour, searing it quickly on both sides, and then mixing and applying the Parmesan crumb topping. These steps are straightforward and do not involve complex techniques, allowing you to move through them with ease. The efficient prep time means you can start cooking almost immediately after deciding on dinner, reducing the typical “planning and chopping” phase that often deters home cooks from more elaborate meals. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Cooking done in just 25 minutes
Following the swift preparation, the cooking process is equally efficient. The chicken bakes in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, reaching its ideal internal temperature. This baking period also allows the crumb topping to become deliciously crispy and golden. A final brief broil of 1-3 minutes ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, adding that irresistible finish. In total, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes to get this impressive Copycat Longhorn Chicken on the table. This rapid turnaround time makes it a perfect solution for a satisfying homemade dinner that feels luxurious without demanding hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious, high-quality meals don’t have to be time-consuming.