Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy Flavor Explosion

Tired of dry, flavorless chicken breasts that leave your dinner guests reaching for extra sauce? Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken delivers a crispy, juicy solution that will revolutionize your chicken dinner game! This restaurant-quality parmesan chicken recipe creates a perfectly golden crust while sealing in all those savory juices for an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe has become a staple at my family gatherings. I discovered this technique after years of experimenting with different breadings and temperatures, and I’m thrilled to share this perfected version with you!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken cuts, creating that signature crispy parmesan coating, and achieving restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. Plus, I’ll share my pro tips for meal prep options and delicious pairings that make this dish truly unforgettable!

Why This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, readily available chicken breasts that transform into restaurant-quality entrees
• Achieves the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside
• Requires basic pantry staples for maximum flavor with minimal shopping
• Ready in under 45 minutes for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Versatile enough to pair with pasta, salads, or vegetable sides

Choosing the Right Chicken for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Best Cuts for This Recipe

For authentic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the gold standard. Their neutral flavor provides the perfect canvas for the savory parmesan coating, while their substantial texture holds up beautifully to the crispy treatment. For even cooking, look for medium-sized breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) with consistent thickness.

Buying Tips

When selecting chicken for your parmesan chicken, look for:

• Plump breasts with a pinkish hue (avoid any with gray tones)
• No visible dark spots or excessive liquid in packaging
• Organic or free-range options for better flavor (though conventional works well too)
• Fresh rather than frozen for optimal texture (though thawed chicken can work in a pinch)

Substitutions

If chicken breasts aren’t available, you can adapt this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe with:

• Chicken tenderloins (reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes)
• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) for a richer flavor profile
• Turkey cutlets (slightly milder flavor but similar texture)

Ingredients & Prep for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before coating your chicken, proper prep ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption:

1. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels
2. Pound to even thickness (about ½-inch) using a meat mallet or heavy pan
3. Season with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to enhance juiciness
4. Create a standard breading station with separate dishes for flour, egg wash, and crumb mixture

Parmesan Coating Ingredients

For that signature Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken coating:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• ½ cup vegetable oil for pan-frying

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet or heavy pan for pounding
• 3 shallow dishes for breading station
• Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
• Instant-read thermometer
• Paper towels for draining

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Parmesan Chicken

1. Create your breading station by setting up three shallow dishes:

   • Dish 1: Combine flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
   • Dish 2: Beat eggs with water until smooth
   • Dish 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and dried parsley

2. Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off exces

3. Dip into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off

4. Press firmly into the parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring even coating on both sides

5. Place breaded chicken on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes (this helps the coating adhere)

Cooking Method for Parmesan Chicken

1. Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F)
2. Carefully add two breaded chicken breasts to the pan (avoid overcrowding)
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the first side
4. Carefully flip once and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side
5. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts, adding more oil if needed

Doneness Check for Parmesan Chicken

For perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

• Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part
• Look for a deep golden-brown exterior with no visible raw flour
• When pressed gently, chicken should feel firm but slightly springy

Resting Your Parmesan Chicken

1. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet or a paper towel-lined plate
2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices
3. If desired, sprinkle with additional grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Avoiding Tough/Dry Parmesan Chicken

• Don’t skip the pounding step even thickness ensures even cooking
• Monitor oil temperature carefully too hot will burn the coating before chicken cooks through
• Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking
• For extra juiciness, brine chicken breasts in saltwater solution for 30 minutes before breading

Tool Recommendations for Parmesan Chicken

• Cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and superior browning
• Instant-read digital thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time
• Metal tongs with silicone tips for easy flipping without damaging the coating
• Splatter screen to keep your stovetop clean during frying

Storage & Reheating Parmesan Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through
• Avoid microwave reheating which makes the coating soggy
• For meal prep, bread chicken and freeze uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out my collection of restaurant-quality recipes on Pinterest that will elevate your weeknight meals!

Flavor Variations for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Spicy Parmesan Chicken Twist

Add a kick to your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken by incorporating:

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper into the flour mixture
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture
• Serve with spicy marinara instead of traditional sauce

Herb-Forward Parmesan Chicken

For a fresh herb variation:

• Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and basil to the breadcrumb mixture
• Replace some of the parmesan with romano cheese for a more complex flavor
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving

Italian Restaurant-Style Parmesan Chicken

Transform this into a complete Italian restaurant experience:

• Top cooked chicken with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella
• Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
• Serve over al dente pasta with additional sauce

Serving Suggestions for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta options: Buttered fettuccine, spaghetti with marinara, or garlic-parmesan angel hair
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts
• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, or wild rice pilaf
• Salads: Caesar salad, Mediterranean cucumber salad, or arugula with lemon vinaigrette

For a complete Longhorn Steakhouse experience, serve with a side of their signature honey wheat bread!

FAQs About Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Can I bake this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off my parmesan chicken?
Ensure chicken is completely dry before starting, press the breading firmly onto the chicken, and let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere.

Can I make this parmesan chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend, and replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed Rice Chex.

What’s the best way to flatten chicken breasts evenly?
Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound gently with a meat mallet, starting from the center and working outward until the chicken is an even ½-inch thickness.

How can I tell when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The oil should shimmer but not smoke. You can test by dropping a few breadcrumbs into the oil—they should sizzle immediately but not burn quickly.

Conclusion

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe brings restaurant quality to your home kitchen with its perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. The combination of parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings creates that signature flavor explosion that keeps families coming back for seconds.

I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your meal rotation! Don’t forget to share your results with me on social media I love seeing your GusRecipes creations come to life. And remember, cooking is about enjoying the process just as much as the delicious outcome.

Ready to try another restaurant-quality recipe? Check out my collection of family favorites that bring that special dining experience right to your table!

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Crispy Flavor Explosion

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a juicy, pan-seared chicken breast topped with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce rich, savory, and restaurant-worthy, perfect for an easy gourmet dinner at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan sauce:

2 tbsp butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the pan.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

8. Simmer 2–3 minutes more, letting the chicken absorb the flavors.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra flavor, coat chicken lightly in flour before searing.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

This sauce pairs perfectly with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: steakhouse parmesan chicken, creamy garlic parmesan chicken, skillet chicken recipe, restaurant-style dinner