If you have a craving for something that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with comforting flavors, you’re going to love this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for a weekend dinner yet straightforward enough for a busy weeknight. The golden crust made from Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese perfectly complements tender, juicy chicken breasts, making every bite simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that elevates the dish without overwhelming it.
- 4 chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a juicy and lean protein base.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture and herby flavor to the crust.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings rich, nutty cheesiness that melts into the coating.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps the breading stick to the chicken perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the flour and breadcrumbs for that ideal crispy coating.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the crust with warm garlic aroma.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a bright, fresh finish at the end.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and get it ready for the chicken after browning. This step ensures a perfectly cooked finish in the oven without drying out the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls for your breading process. In one, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, place the flour. In the third, beat the egg until smooth. Organizing your station like this makes it easy to coat the chicken evenly without missing a step.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, which helps create a base for the egg to stick to. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, which acts like glue for the breadcrumb mixture. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until it is fully coated. This triple-step coating is key to achieving that signature crispy and cheesy crust.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s both crispy and flavorful. It’s the kind of sear that promises deliciousness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking finishes cooking the chicken gently so it stays juicy while letting the cheese crisp up even more. This final step makes the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe truly shine.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Now your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is ready for the table!
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the traditional garnish that brightens the dish beautifully. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a zesty contrast to the rich parmesan crust. These touches make the dish feel just a little bit elevated without complicating it.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs effortlessly with some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. The crispy chicken and fresh sides provide a lovely texture contrast and a balanced meal. Rice pilaf or buttery garlic noodles also work wonderfully for soaking up any flavorful juices left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe sliced on top of a crisp Caesar salad, or chop it up for a hearty sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy mayo spread. You can also turn leftovers into tasty chicken parmesan sliders perfect for casual meals or entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Longhorn Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken chilled helps maintain freshness while allowing you to enjoy convenient, delicious reheated meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken for later, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Longhorn Parmesan Chicken keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until hot throughout and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can turn the crust chewy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs are thicker and may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What can I use instead of Italian breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs mixed with dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme will work perfectly. You can also make your own by toasting and crushing Italian bread.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary in the coating?
Parmesan is what sets this recipe apart and gives it a wonderful nutty taste and crisp texture. You can try alternatives like Pecorino Romano, but Parmesan is highly recommended for the authentic flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy without the gluten. Make sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be juicy with no pinkness inside, and the crust should be golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe enough if you want a reliably delicious and comforting meal that comes together quickly. There’s something so satisfying about that crispy Parmesan crust paired with tender chicken, and it’s a dish that always impresses. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you might just find a new recipe to treasure forever.
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Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish coated with a savory blend of Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. The chicken is first pan-seared to develop a golden crust and then finished in the oven, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a deliciously crunchy exterior. Garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make recipe serves as a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion entree.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, place the flour, and in a third bowl, beat the egg until smooth. These stations will help you efficiently coat the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is evenly coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating adheres well on all sides.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
