Introduction to the Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a piece of golden, crispy chicken smothered in cheesy goodness and flavorful herbs. The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe perfectly captures that crave-worthy combination of textures and tastes that make this dish a standout on their menu. Known for its crunchy breadcrumb coating infused with Parmesan cheese and aromatic Italian seasoning, paired with the melty, gooey mozzarella topping, this recipe is a beloved favorite among steakhouse enthusiasts.

Making this recipe at home means you can enjoy restaurant-quality chicken without the wait or expense. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet the flavors are anything but ordinary. This dish features boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are breaded in a seasoned mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, then pan-seared for a crisp outer crust before being baked with a generous layer of mozzarella and garlic. The final result is a juicy, tender interior with a savory, golden crust that’s hard to resist.

If you want to elevate your breading skills, this breadcrumb guide is invaluable for learning how to achieve the perfect crunch every time. And for cheese lovers, understanding cheese melting can help you get that gooey, bubbly topping just right, adding an extra layer of delight to your dish.

Whether served with a fresh garden salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a versatile crowd-pleaser that makes any meal feel special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or casual dinner parties when you want to impress with minimal effort. The balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful elements in this recipe will keep everyone coming back for more.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Author: Sarah White

Print Recipe

Description

Recreate Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home—crispy breaded chicken topped with Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic for a perfect dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs

¼ cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the breading stations
Start by setting up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This setup allows you to create a perfect breading layer by dredging the chicken breasts through each mixture in sequence.

Step 2: Bread the chicken
Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture firmly so the coating adheres well. For extra crunch, you can double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Step 3: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Searing locks in juices and gives the chicken a delicious crunchy texture before baking.

Step 4: Add the cheese and garlic topping
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a greased baking dish. Mix the remaining Parmesan cheese with the shredded mozzarella and minced garlic, then evenly sprinkle the cheese mixture over each chicken breast. The garlic infuses the topping with savory aroma and depth, while the cheeses melt to create a luscious, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly. For a golden-brown finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better melt and flavor.

To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading.

Double coating the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker crust.

If you want extra garlic flavor, mix some garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture.

Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick better.

Keywords: Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Advanced Techniques

Enhance flavor with a quick Italian-style marinade

Marinating the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before breading can elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs. This process not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a fresh, vibrant taste that shines through even after breading and baking.

Achieve perfect crisp crust with panko mix

Mix panko breadcrumbs into your regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating. Panko creates more air pockets during frying, resulting in a crispy, flaky crust reminiscent of professional kitchens. Be sure to toast the panko lightly before mixing with Parmesan and seasonings for added depth.

Layer cheese for maximum melt and flavor

Experiment with combining mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses for a multi-dimensional cheese topping. Mozzarella adds gooey stretch, Parmesan brings nutty sharpness, and provolone contributes creamy richness. Layering the cheeses evenly ensures the perfect melt and flavor balance.

Use the broiler for that signature golden finish

After baking, switch your oven to broil and place the dish close to the heat source for 1–2 minutes. This quick blast crisps up the cheese topping and browns it beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality golden crust. Be vigilant to avoid burning.

Try air-fryer version for speed and crispiness

For a healthier and faster alternative, prepare the chicken as usual and place in a preheated air fryer at 375°F. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, then top with cheese and garlic, air-fry for an additional 3–4 minutes. The air fryer enhances the crunch without extra oil and speeds up the process.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Refrigerate in airtight containers

Store leftover Parmesan chicken in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the breading.

Freeze cooked chicken without cheese

If freezing, avoid adding cheese topping beforehand, as dairy does not freeze well. Freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap inside a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight, add fresh cheese, and bake.

Re-crisp leftovers in the oven

To revive leftover Parmesan chicken, reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and prevents sogginess, restoring crispiness in about 15 minutes.

Label and date storage containers

Keep track of when the chicken was prepared or frozen by labeling containers. This simple habit helps avoid consuming stale or unsafe food.

Prepare breading stations ahead

For meal prep, you can mix your breadcrumb and cheese blend and store it in an airtight container. When ready to cook, bread the chicken just before frying or baking to keep the coating fresh and crispy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond meal or crushed pork rinds also work well for a crunchy coating, suitable for gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Lower-Fat Adaptation

To reduce fat content, swap mozzarella for part-skim varieties and bake the chicken entirely instead of pan-frying. Use cooking spray instead of olive oil to coat the pan. This will reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, and replace milk in the egg wash with almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor punch in the breadcrumb mixture.

Egg-Free Option

For those with egg allergies or vegan preferences, substitute eggs with flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or aquafaba (chickpea water). These bind the breadcrumbs just as effectively.

Keto-Friendly Swap

Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb crust. Swap the all-purpose flour for coconut flour or omit entirely by double-coating in egg and crumb mixture. This version is perfect for ketogenic or low-carb diets.

FAQs About the Recipe

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

The key is to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and don’t dry out. Also, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer—remove the chicken once it hits 165°F internal temperature. Resting the meat before serving lets juices redistribute.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time to about 25–30 minutes in the oven depending on thickness.

Why isn’t the cheese melting evenly?

Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded types with anti-caking agents. Cover the chicken completely with cheese and bake until bubbly. If needed, broil for a minute or two to help the cheese brown and melt uniformly.

Can I prep ahead?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add the cheese topping just before baking. This makes for convenient meal prep without sacrificing quality.

What sides pair well?

Classic sides include garlic mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, Caesar salad, or even pasta tossed with marinara sauce. These pairings balance the rich chicken and complete the meal beautifully.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is an ideal way to enjoy a restaurant favorite right at home, delivering crispy, juicy, and cheesy goodness in every bite. It combines straightforward cooking methods with flavors that feel elevated and satisfying, perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress without hours in the kitchen.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of textures—the crunchy breadcrumb-Parmesan coating, the tender, juicy chicken, and the creamy, bubbly cheese topping infused with garlic and herbs. With accessible ingredients and adaptable techniques, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs effortlessly.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile: from quick weeknight meals to weekend gatherings, it pairs well with numerous sides and can be made ahead or frozen for convenience. The advanced techniques and substitutions give you options to enhance or tailor it to your preferences.

In short, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is comfort food elevated—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. It’s a dish that welcomes you home with warmth and indulgence, proving that sometimes, the best restaurant experiences are the ones you create yourself.