Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
📝 Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse–inspired Parmesan Crusted Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with cheesy, savory flavor. It features a perfectly seasoned grilled or baked chicken breast topped with a creamy ranch dressing, melted provolone, and a golden, crunchy Parmesan crust. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home — ideal for weeknights, special dinners, or when you want to impress your guests.
🍴 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
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½ cup ranch dressing (or Caesar dressing)
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4 slices provolone cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
🔪 Instructions
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Prepare Chicken:
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Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
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Brush lightly with olive oil, and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook Chicken:
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Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side (or bake at 400°F / 200°C for 20–25 minutes) until cooked through.
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Add Topping Base:
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Place cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Spread about 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing over each breast.
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Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
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Make Parmesan Crust:
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In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Stir until crumbly.
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Broil & Finish:
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Spoon the Parmesan mixture over the provolone-topped chicken.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and crisp.
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Serve:
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Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
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📋 Notes
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Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and tender results.
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You can use Caesar or garlic aioli instead of ranch for a different flavor profile.
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For extra crunch, toast the Parmesan-panko topping before adding it to the chicken.
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Air fryer option: Cook chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, then broil the topping separately.
💡 Tips
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Let chicken rest for a few minutes before topping — it helps the juices redistribute.
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If you want a stronger Parmesan flavor, mix in freshly shredded Parmesan instead of pre-grated.
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To make it lighter, substitute Greek yogurt ranch and reduce the butter in the crust.
🍽 Servings
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Serves: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 480 kcal
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Protein: 43g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fat: 30g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 680mg
🌿 Health Benefits
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High in protein — supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
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Calcium-rich from the cheese and dressing.
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Lower-carb meal — great for those watching carbohydrates.
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Can be paired with veggies or salad for a balanced dinner.
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay juicy — just adjust the cooking time (thighs cook a bit longer).
Q2: How can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper or a bit of cayenne to the seasoning mix or the crust topping.
Q3: What can I use instead of provolone?
Mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully and taste amazing.
Q4: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Cook and refrigerate the chicken, then add toppings and broil right before serving.
Q5: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds instead of regular breadcrumbs.