If you love tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crispy coating topped with melted cheese, this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is made for you. It’s a delicious comfort food classic that delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.
This recipe balances a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust with tender, flavorful chicken breasts and a gooey mozzarella topping, finishing with a subtle garlic punch. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special family gatherings. Plus, it’s simple enough for cooks of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crunchy and cheesy: The combo of Parmesan and mozzarella gives a fantastic cheesy crust and melty topping.
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Juicy chicken: Proper prep and cooking ensure juicy, tender chicken every time.
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Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
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Versatile: Serve with various sides — pasta, salad, or veggies — for a complete meal.
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Copycat favorite: Enjoy a Longhorn Steakhouse classic without leaving your home.
Ingredients & Measurements (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 large |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
Equipment Needed
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Skillet or frying pan
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Three shallow bowls or dishes for breading station
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Baking dish or casserole pan
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Meat thermometer (recommended)
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Whisk and spatula
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
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Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
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For even cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This prevents uneven cooking and dryness.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
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In the first shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
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In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended.
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In the third bowl, mix bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
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Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off excess flour.
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Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
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Finally, dredge the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Add chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Bake with Cheese
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Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each breast.
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Add minced garlic on top for a flavor boost.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
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Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Prep Time and Nutrition
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving
Expert Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken
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Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated can be dry or clumpy.
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Flatten chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking and tenderness.
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For extra crunch, dip chicken twice in the egg and bread crumb mixtures.
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Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before frying to get a crispy crust without burning.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the bread crumb mixture.
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Herb Mix: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
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Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for different cheesy flavors.
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Sauce Topping: Serve with marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce on top or on the side.
What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken
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Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
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Roasted or steamed broccoli and carrots
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Classic Caesar salad
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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Rice pilaf or buttered noodles
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Light white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon
Storing and Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap chicken individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to keep crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Fun Facts About Parmesan Chicken
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Parmesan chicken recipes originated from Italian-American cuisine and are inspired by Chicken Parmigiana, a classic dish combining breaded chicken and tomato sauce topped with cheese.
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Longhorn Steakhouse is famous for their version, which uses a unique blend of spices and cheese for a signature crust.
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The use of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor profile reminiscent of Italy’s rich culinary traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well but adjust cooking time slightly as they are thicker and more moist.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and use gluten-free flour for coating.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
A: You can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes but the crust may not be as crispy as pan-fried.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Parmesan chicken recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Unlike overly complicated dishes, it uses simple steps and ingredients to create an impressive meal. It’s an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
The golden, crispy coating combined with gooey melted cheese and juicy chicken makes every bite delightful and satisfying. Plus, the subtle garlic and Italian herbs add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Enjoy this homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with your loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen.