This Parmesan chicken is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like at Longhorn Steakhouse! Coated in a special blend of seasonings and cheese, it’s a true delight.
Cooking this dish is so satisfying! I love serving it with some spaghetti or salad for a meal everyone enjoys. And who can resist that cheesy goodness? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use turkey cutlets if preferred.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs bring flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs with added spices. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs work well.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan gives the best taste, but pre-grated works too. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil really creates a robust taste. Feel free to mix and match with your favorite herbs or add some chili flakes for heat!
How Do You Achieve Perfect Breaded Chicken?
To get that crispy, golden-brown coating, follow these tips for breading your chicken:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly; it helps with cooking time and texture.
- Use one hand for the wet ingredients (eggs) and the other for dry (flour/breadcrumbs). This keeps your hands cleaner and helps the coating stick better!
- When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve a nice crispiness without steaming the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and allow the coating to set properly.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious and satisfying Parmesan chicken dish, just like at Longhorn Steakhouse!
Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water or milk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Parmesan chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25–30 minutes to cook (including frying and baking), totaling approximately 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly later!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound them to an even thickness, around 1 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper to add flavor.
3. Set Up the Breading Stations:
Get three shallow dishes ready for breading:
– In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour.
– In the second, whisk together the eggs and your choice of water or milk until well blended.
– In the third dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and paprika.
4. 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, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press gently so that the crumbs stick well to the chicken.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Once fried, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Garnish:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in! Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch.
Enjoy your Longhorn Steakhouse style Parmesan chicken! It’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result because they have a higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy taste. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the coating crispy!
Can I Freeze the Breaded Chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
