Longhorn Steakhouse is known for its delicious, craveable dishes, and their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is no exception. This recipe aims to recreate that restaurant-quality taste and texture right in your own oven. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve a crispy, flavorful chicken breast that's sure to impress.
What Makes Longhorn's Parmesan Chicken So Special?
The magic lies in the combination of a perfectly seasoned and breaded chicken breast, pan-fried (or in this case, oven-baked for easier cleanup) to golden perfection, and finally topped with a generous helping of melted Parmesan cheese. The key is achieving a balance of crispy breading, juicy chicken, and that rich, savory Parmesan flavor.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe (Oven-Baked)
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
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Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking.
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Season the flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip each breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat each breast thoroughly in the Italian breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan: In a separate shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Press the breaded chicken into this mixture to ensure a generous coating of Parmesan.
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Bake the chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Oven Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs will create a lighter, crispier crust. Just be sure to adjust the amount slightly, as panko is often more absorbent.
How can I make the chicken crispier?
For extra crispy chicken, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the chicken in olive oil for a few minutes per side before baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
What sides pair well with Longhorn Parmesan Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Pasta with marinara sauce is another excellent option.
Is this recipe healthy?
While this recipe isn't strictly "health food," it can be made healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and reducing the amount of oil used. Choosing lean chicken breast also helps.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy!
