Easy Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever savored the golden, crunchy delight of Longhorn’s parmesan crusted chicken, you know it’s a meal worth recreating at home. This easy, Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers that same irresistible crunch and savory flavor right in your own kitchen. Perfectly crispy, with a rich parmesan crust and tender chicken inside, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser for any dinner night. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, you’ll love having this flavorful recipe in your arsenal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplified Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples to bring out amazing flavor without any fuss.
• Crunchy and Juicy: The perfect balance of a crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken inside.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this meal, making dinner time easier and more delicious.
• Copycat Perfection: Recreates the restaurant favorite’s signature texture and seasoning with home ingredients.
• Versatile and Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy nights but fancy enough for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating a crust that is flavorful, crispy, and beautifully browned, while keeping the chicken moist and delicious.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that provide tender and juicy meat perfect for this recipe.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and a perfectly crisp crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Offers an extra crunchy texture that mimics the restaurant’s signature bite.
• Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to enhance every bite.
• Salt and pepper: Essentials for seasoning that bring out all the flavors.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture stick firmly to the chicken.
• Olive oil or butter: Used for frying, giving that golden crust a perfect finish.

Variations for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own.

• Gluten-free option: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
• Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat.
• Herb variations: Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fragrant crust.
• Cheese alternatives: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese in place of parmesan for a different flavor punch.
• Baked version: Instead of frying, bake the chicken for a healthier, less oily meal.

How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important to help the coating stick better. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Step 2: Create the Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything evenly so every bite gets that perfect blend of flavors and crunch.

Step 3: Set up the Breading Station

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. This will act as the glue for the coating. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the parmesan breadcrumb blend, pressing lightly to adhere the crust.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender beneath the crispy parmesan crust.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Even coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to keep it from falling off during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain heat and crispiness.
• Fresh parmesan matters: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for a meltier, fresher taste.
• Dry chicken surface: Ensure chicken is dry before breading for better crisping.
• Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.

How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor with fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top. A light drizzle of lemon juice adds brightness that perfectly complements the rich parmesan crust.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad all pair beautifully with this dish to round out a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken into strips for easy sharing or layering over a bed of creamy risotto. You can also serve it atop toasted bread with a layer of marinara for an indulgent parmesan chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go protein for lunch or a quick dinner addition.

Freezing

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or use freezer bags. Frozen Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken can keep for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness when reheating, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this tends to soften the crisp crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use both parmesan and panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, the panko provides crunch while the parmesan adds a flavorful, cheesy crust for the perfect texture and taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

You can bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy, making it a healthier alternative with less oil.

What sides go best with Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Hearty sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish beautifully.

How do I store leftover coating mixture?

Keep any leftover breadcrumb and parmesan mix in an airtight container for up to a week to use on other baked or fried dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is your ticket to bringing restaurant-quality flavor into your own kitchen with very little effort. Crisp, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious crunch and comforting taste that feels like a warm hug at dinnertime.

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