A delicious twist on a restaurant favorite
If you're a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse, you probably can't resist their indulgent Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s a dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with creamy, cheesy goodness, making your taste buds dance with delight. But why not bring this restaurant experience right into your own kitchen? Our Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe captures all the essence of the original, allowing you to whip up this delicious meal anytime you crave it.
Imagine the aroma of succulent chicken marinated in a flavorful blend, then topped with a golden, cheesy crust that bakes to perfection. This dish is not just about flavor; it also makes for an impressive centerpiece, whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a cozy dinner for two. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare—even for those who might not consider themselves culinary experts.
Ready to satisfy your cravings? You can use ingredients you likely have on hand, and with just a few steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. For those interested in a quick version, consider using Italian salad dressing as a marinade shortcut. Dive into this recipe, and I promise you’ll never want to order it out again!
Ingredients for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Creating a delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is all about using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible dish!
Essential Ingredients for the Chicken
- 4 skinless/boneless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Ensure they're evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for that perfect seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is essential for that golden sear on your chicken.
Marinade Components
To infuse your chicken with flavor, gather these:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing: This adds a creamy tang to the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: For depth and richness.
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar and lemon juice: Balances well with the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Just enough to add a kick.
Parmesan Crust Ingredients
The crown jewel of this recipe is the parmesan crust, which demands:
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits, for that nutty, salty essence.
- ½ cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits, a great melty addition.
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk ranch salad dressing: This ties it all together.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Gives an indulgent richness.
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs: For the ultimate crispy texture.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Extra garlic flavor for good measure.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re set to create a flavor-packed, mouthwatering meal that brings the restaurant to your table.
Preparing Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Creating a delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home can be a delightful and fulfilling experience. Not only will you impress your taste buds, but your family and friends will surely be asking for seconds! Let's dive into each essential step, ensuring that every bite is just as good as the restaurant version.
Preparing the Chicken
Start with four skinless, boneless chicken breasts. A consistent thickness is key, so grab a meat tenderizer and pound those breasts to about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them juicy. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. For a smoother process, you might use a gallon freezer bag for marinating—just ensure to remove the air before sealing!
Marinating the Chicken
Next up, the marinade! Whisk together ⅓ cup each of olive oil and ranch dressing with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Once combined, pour it over the chicken in your freezer bag, seal it, and kick back for at least 30 minutes (or even better, overnight). This step not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat. If you're short on time, a store-bought Italian salad dressing works as a fantastic shortcut.
Searing the Chicken
After marinating, it's time to bring out the flavors on the stovetop. Heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (a cast iron skillet is ideal!). Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side without moving it around to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through—just transfer it to a clean skillet or baking sheet and tent with foil to keep warm.
Making the Parmesan Crust
Now, let's talk about that irresistible Parmesan crust! Preheat your oven’s broiler to 450°F. In a bowl, combine ½ cup each of Parmesan and provolone cheese along with 6 tablespoons of Ranch dressing. Microwave it in bursts of 15 seconds, stirring in between, until it’s just melted. Don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy—it's all part of the charm! Spread this cheesy delight over the cooked chicken. For a crispy finish, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs, and spoon it over the cheese.
Broiling to Perfection
Finally, pop the chicken under the broiler for just 3 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. You want the top to turn golden brown and bubbly. Once done, serve your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken alongside mashed or roasted potatoes for a comforting meal. Trust me, your friends will be asking for this recipe at every gathering!
By following these steps, you'll channel your inner chef and create a dish that rivals any restaurant. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Variations on Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Keto-Friendly Version
If you’re following a keto lifestyle, you can easily adapt this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken by swapping traditional breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds. This not only keeps the carb count low, but it also gives your chicken an irresistible crunch. Just pulse some pork rinds in a food processor until they're finely ground, then mix them with Parmesan for that perfect crust.
Vegetarian Alternative
Craving this parmesan crust but looking for something plant-based? You can recreate a delicious vegetarian option by using portobello mushrooms or tofu. Marinate the mushrooms or pressed tofu the same way, and then top with the same Parmesan crust mixture. Broil until golden and serve over a bed of sautéed vegetables or whole grains for a satisfying meal.
For more tips on tweaking recipes, explore sites like EatingWell or Serious Eats.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Creating the perfect Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home can be an enjoyable culinary adventure. Here are some helpful tips to guide you along the way:
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Maximize Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. If you're short on time, a 30-minute soak works too!
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Searing for Success: Achieving a nice golden crust involves not moving the chicken while it sears. This helps lock in moisture and flavor—you'll end up with irresistibly juicy chicken.
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Broiling Tips: Keep a close eye on your chicken while broiling the crust; it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
Feel free to explore more tips on marinating chicken here for extra guidance. Enjoy your flavorful feast!
Serving suggestions for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ideal side dishes
To elevate your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, consider pairing it with delightful sides like creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad. Adding a side of buttery garlic bread can also complete your meal and deliver a satisfying crunch.
Perfect beverage pairings
For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, serve sparkling water with a twist of lemon, or opt for a zesty iced tea to balance the rich flavors of the chicken. If you prefer something sweeter, a homemade lemonade could be the perfect complement. Each of these options highlights the savory aspects of the chicken while keeping your dining experience enjoyable!
Time Breakdown for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Preparation Time
To kick off your culinary adventure, set aside about 10-15 minutes for preparation. This includes making the marinade and tenderizing the chicken, ensuring your main ingredient is ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Cooking Time
Once your chicken is marinated (minimum 30 minutes), you’ll spend another 20-30 minutes cooking. This includes searing the chicken for that perfect golden color and broiling the cheesy topping until bubbly and lightly browned.
Total Time
From start to finish, your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will take approximately 1 hour - a small investment for a dish that’s bound to impress! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
For a detailed guide through the process, refer to this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy your cooking!
Nutritional Facts for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
When you indulge in this delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it's essential to understand what you’re putting on your plate. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional facts to keep you informed:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 660 calories, making it a hearty option for dinner.
Protein
Packed with 35 grams of protein, this chicken dish is an excellent choice to fuel your body and keep you feeling satisfied.
Sodium
Do keep in mind that this recipe has about 1046 mg of sodium, which is important to consider if you're watching your salt intake.
By enjoying this meal in moderation and pairing it with fresh vegetables or a side salad, you'll create a well-rounded dining experience. For more nutritional insights, you can visit the Longhorn website.
FAQs about Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I use different cheeses for the crust?
Absolutely! While this recipe features Parmesan and Provolone, you can experiment with other cheeses like Mozzarella, Swiss, or even Muenster. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary, so pick what aligns best with your taste preferences!
How can I store leftovers?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly and consume it within three months for the best flavor and texture.
What are good sides to serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, or even roasted vegetables. For a refreshing touch, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the dish nicely. Enjoy exploring these options!
Conclusion on Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
In conclusion, making this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is an easily achievable culinary adventure. With its crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken, it's sure to impress your friends and family. Don't forget to pair it with delicious sides for a complete meal experience! Enjoy!
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Galloon Freezer Bag
- Microwave
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces skinless/boneless chicken breasts
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Marinade
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Parmesan Crust
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese chopped into bits
- ½ cup Provolone cheese chopped into bits
- 6 Tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch salad dressing regular Ranch is fine as well
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well-combined and uniform in consistency.
- Place the chicken in a gallon freezer bag, remove the air, and seal. Use a meat tenderizer to pound it to about ½ inch thick. Note: It will plump up more when cooked.
- Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Place the chicken in a new freezer bag and add the marinade. Seal out the air and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Heat 2-3 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. (A cast iron skillet will provide the best sear.)
- Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes. Refrain from moving the chicken around as it sizzles, it will hinder the nice golden sear color. If the pan gets too hot, reduce the heat to medium. Once each side is a nice, golden brown and the middle is cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean skillet or baking sheet and tent with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the Parmesan crust.
Add the Parmesan Crust
- Preheat the oven to a low broil (450° F).
- Combine Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing. Stir to combine and microwave in 15 seconds increments, stirring in between, until melted. (A little bit of a lumpy consistency is okay.) Spread it over the top of the chicken.
- Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs and spoon it on top of the cheese.
- Broil for 3-4 minutes, the top begins to brown slightly. (Watch it closely during this time.) Serve with mashed potatoes and enjoy!
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