This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken brings all the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. With its crispy, golden crust and a rich, creamy sauce that will have you licking your plate, this dish is a perfect balance of indulgent and comforting. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious.
It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, and yet feels so special, making it ideal for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a tasty homemade dinner. The Parmesan crust seals in the juicy chicken, and the velvety sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. You won’t be able to get enough of it!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish
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Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the Parmesan mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by the famous dish at Longhorn Steakhouse, this version captures all the flavors of the original, with crispy chicken breasts coated in a cheesy, golden Parmesan crust, smothered in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy with family or serve at your next dinner party. In this article, we’ll dive into why this recipe is a fantastic choice for any occasion, and why it’s destined to be a staple in your recipe collection.
A Bit of Background on Parmesan Chicken
Parmesan Chicken, also known as Chicken Parmesan or “Chicken Parm,” has been a beloved dish for generations, often featured in Italian-American restaurants and comfort food menus. The dish typically involves chicken breasts that are breaded, fried, and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The Longhorn Parmesan Chicken, however, takes the classic concept and elevates it by introducing a creamy sauce alongside the crispy crust, creating a perfect balance between rich and crispy flavors.
This recipe aims to replicate the magic of Longhorn’s version, which is known for its crispy crust and rich, velvety sauce. However, unlike its restaurant counterpart, this homemade recipe allows you to control the ingredients, making it healthier and customizable based on your dietary preferences.
Why Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Is the Best
What makes Longhorn Parmesan Chicken stand out from other chicken dishes? It’s the perfect harmony between texture and flavor. The chicken is breaded in a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which results in a crispy, savory coating. After frying, the chicken breasts are transferred into a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and chicken broth, giving the dish a velvety smooth finish.
Additionally, the dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out heavy cream for a lighter alternative, like half-and-half or a plant-based cream, to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making it more or less garlicky or spicy depending on your preferences.
Another reason why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser is its balance of flavors. The Parmesan crust adds a nutty, salty crunch, while the creamy sauce provides a rich, indulgent base. Together, these elements make the dish irresistibly delicious, comforting, and satisfying. It’s a dish that appeals to both children and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weeknight meals.
Benefits of Making This Recipe at Home
One of the biggest advantages of preparing Longhorn Parmesan Chicken at home is that it allows you to control the ingredients. Store-bought versions of restaurant-style chicken dishes often contain preservatives and excess sodium, which can detract from the overall taste and nutritional value of the dish. When you make it yourself, you can use fresh, high-quality ingredients that align with your dietary goals.
For example, you can choose organic chicken, use whole grain breadcrumbs, or even add some healthy vegetables to the sauce. Making this dish at home means you get to decide exactly how it’s prepared, making it more nutritious and tailored to your preferences. You also get the added benefit of saving money compared to dining out, while still enjoying the deliciousness of a restaurant-quality meal.
This recipe also allows you to skip the deep-frying process that many traditional Parmesan chicken recipes require. Instead of submerging the chicken in oil, you can pan-sear it for a crispy, golden exterior that’s much healthier. Baking the chicken afterward in the creamy sauce ensures that it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Perfect Pairings for Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
While the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few perfect pairings to complement this flavorful dish:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy, fiber-rich side to balance the richness of the chicken.
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Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread makes for the perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully with the Parmesan chicken, absorbing the rich sauce and adding extra comfort to the meal.
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Pasta: Serve the chicken over pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for an even more filling meal. The pasta will help balance the richness of the dish and complement the flavors.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Your Own
The beauty of making Longhorn Parmesan Chicken at home is that you can adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for customizing the recipe:
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Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you want to give the dish a spicy kick. The heat will work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
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Use Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is the star of the dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a gooey, melty finish.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers or a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan. This will ensure everyone can enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten sensitivities.
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Try a Different Protein: While chicken is the classic choice, this recipe can easily be made with other proteins like pork chops or even eggplant for a vegetarian option.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is perfect for meal prepping because it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for later use, making it an ideal option for busy weeks when you need a quick meal. When reheating, add a little extra cream to the sauce to keep it from drying out.
If you have leftovers, consider transforming them into a new dish, like a chicken Parmesan sandwich or adding the chicken to a salad for a fresh, flavorful lunch the next day.
Conclusion
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and creamy flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite steakhouse. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and adaptable nature, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special gathering, you’ll find that this recipe is both satisfying and impressive. It’s a great example of how a little creativity in the kitchen can elevate a classic dish into something truly extraordinary. With the benefits of homemade preparation and the versatility to tailor it to your needs, Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.