Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Chicken lovers can’t resist the mouthwatering longhorn parmesan crusted chicken that has everyone talking.

This restaurant-inspired dish brings the ultimate flavor explosion right to your kitchen.

Crispy, golden-brown edges perfectly complement the tender, juicy meat inside.

The parmesan crust adds an irresistible crunch that makes every bite a delightful experience.

Recreating this restaurant favorite at home is easier than you might expect.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your dinner companions and satisfy those serious cravings.

What’s Needed for Cheddar Chicken Magic

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the primary base for this delicious restaurant-style dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that add depth and enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Coating and Topping Ingredients:
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy sauce that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the chicken.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese, Remaining Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Lightweight, crispy breadcrumbs that give the chicken a crunchy exterior.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  • Shredded Provolone Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping.

Cheddar Chicken Simple Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for some serious chicken magic.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Massage those seasonings into every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat up a grill or skillet and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through.

Aim for about 6-7 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Ranch Layer

In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Spread this dreamy mixture generously over each chicken breast.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

Mix in another bowl:
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this crispy blend over the ranch layer.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Finale

Crown each chicken breast with a blanket of shredded provolone cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the chicken onto a baking sheet and pop it in the oven.

Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out the chicken and get ready to dive into a world of flavor.

Enjoy immediately while it’s hot and irresistible!

Tips for Crunchy Cheddar Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and juicy interior.
  • Watch the chicken closely during the final baking stage to prevent cheese from burning.
  • Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding to the recipe for extra crispiness.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for a lighter, tangier flavor profile.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Cheddar Chicken Variations for Fun

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free ranch dressing and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped nuts. Skip the ranch layer and use heavy cream mixed with Parmesan for coating.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Replace provolone with dairy-free cheese alternative. Swap ranch dressing with cashew-based cream sauce.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Add chili powder and cumin to chicken seasoning. Use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone. Mix hot sauce into ranch dressing for extra kick.

Ways to Serve Cheddar Chicken

  • Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Pair this crispy parmesan chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty meal that brings everyone together.
  • Healthy Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken and add fresh nutrition to your plate.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, and drizzle a small amount of additional ranch dressing around the chicken for an elegant restaurant-inspired presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Wonder: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the flavors and create a delightful dining experience.

Keeping Cheddar Chicken Crispy

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the Parmesan crust so crispy?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior that gives the chicken its signature crisp texture.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make for home cooks?

This copycat Longhorn chicken recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring basic cooking skills and simple ingredients that most home cooks already have in their kitchen.

  • Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for provolone and Parmesan, you can experiment with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or monterey jack for a slightly different flavor profile.

Cheddar Chicken – Why You’ll Crave It

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Recreate a restaurant-favorite dish with professional-quality results right in your kitchen.
  • Customize Flavor Profiles: Easily adjust seasonings and cheese types to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a gourmet-style chicken meal in under an hour with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a cheesy, crispy chicken dish that appeals to both adults and kids at family dinners.
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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Longhorn’s parmesan crusted chicken elevates home cooking with restaurant-quality flavors and irresistible crispy coating. Creamy parmesan crust and tender chicken create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave time and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheeses:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded provolone cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Elevate the oven temperature to a toasty 400°F (200°C), preparing for a golden, crispy transformation.
  2. Massage chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, infusing deep, savory flavors.
  3. Sear the seasoned chicken in a scorching hot skillet or grill, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes until perfectly cooked through and developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
  4. Whisk together creamy ranch dressing and finely grated Parmesan in a smooth, tangy coating, generously spreading the mixture across each succulent chicken breast.
  5. Create a crunchy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and additional Parmesan, ensuring an irresistible crisp texture that will crown the chicken.
  6. Lavishly drape each chicken breast with a blanket of melty shredded provolone cheese, adding a luxurious, gooey dimension.
  7. Transfer the prepared chicken to a baking sheet, sliding it into the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a tempting golden brown.
  8. Plate immediately while piping hot, ready to tantalize taste buds with its layers of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor depth.
  • Swap ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative that reduces calories.
  • Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Rest the chicken for 3-5 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 362 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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