This Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Chicken is a flavor-packed dish with juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served with a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for recreating restaurant-style dining at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite steakhouse without leaving your kitchen.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender, while the Parmesan crust and creamy sauce add rich flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress your family or guests with this elegant yet simple dish.
- Great for Weeknight Dinners: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
- Top each piece with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Serve
- Plate the baked chicken and drizzle generously with the garlic cream sauce.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Substitutions: Use Gruyere, Fontina, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb Swap: Substitute fresh thyme or basil for Italian seasoning in the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with finely crushed pork rinds.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked chicken (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well; adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to exactly 165°F.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble and bake before serving.
4. Can I skip the garlic cream sauce?
While the sauce adds richness, you can serve the chicken with marinara or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
5. What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the chicken beautifully.
6. How do I make it less rich?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
7. Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes, air-fry the coated chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. What’s the best way to grate Parmesan cheese?
Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater for the best texture and flavor.
9. Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate the chicken.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the perfect fusion of crispy, cheesy, and creamy flavors. This restaurant-inspired dish is surprisingly easy to make at home and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides and prepare to wow your family or guests with this flavorful, comforting meal!
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Recreate the restaurant favorite at home with this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served with a creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl with the buttermilk.
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
- Top each piece with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the baked chicken and drizzle generously with garlic cream sauce.
- Serve alongside your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Double the garlic cream sauce if serving with pasta for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving (approx.)
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