This Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a tasty treat! It’s made with crispy chicken breasts topped with yummy parmesan cheese and herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up this dish on a busy night. Just bake, serve it with pasta or a salad, and enjoy the compliments! Who doesn’t love a little cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs work great too—they’re juicy and flavorful!
Italian-style Bread Crumbs: These add a nice crunch to the chicken. But, if you can’t find them, plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning mixed in can work just as well. You might even consider panko for extra crispiness!
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor! If you need a substitute, you can try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a similar taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella helps the dish have a gooey texture. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese can be used instead, just make sure it melts well!
Olive Oil: This is for frying the chicken. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed, but olive oil adds a nice flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Get Chicken That’s Cooked Evenly?
This step is essential for juicy chicken. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly. Here’s how to do it:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Make sure to focus on any thicker areas so they match the thinner parts!
This process not only helps with cooking but also tenderizes the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Crispy?
For a crispy exterior, following these tips can help:
- First, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This creates a barrier that helps the egg wash stick better for the breadcrumbs.
- Be generous when coating the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it down slightly to adhere well.
- Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown, and then finish in the oven to keep it crispy while cooking through.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy perfection of your Parmesan Chicken!
Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dredging:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
For Frying and Topping:
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10-15 minutes for prep, and 20-25 minutes for cooking, totaling around 35-40 minutes. You’ll quickly whip up a delicious dish that is perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, gather all your ingredients and get your bowls ready. You’ll need one for the dry coating and one for the wet dredge.
2. Mixing the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the Italian-style bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will create a delicious, flavorful coating for your chicken.
3. Dredging Stations:
Put the flour in another shallow bowl. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This is your setup for dredging the chicken.
4. Preparing the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help it cook evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
5. Dredging the Chicken:
Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it in flour first—be sure to shake off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and lastly, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure the crumbs stick nicely!
6. Frying the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy.
7. Baking to Finish:
After frying, transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Top each one with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Now you have a cozy, cheesy dish that brings the taste of Longhorn Steakhouse straight to your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great as they are juicier and provide a robust flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, depending on their thickness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, definitely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs. There are plenty of options available to keep your meal deliciously gluten-free!
How Long Does Leftover Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Parmesan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through!
Can I Freeze This Chicken for Later?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven for the best texture.
