If you have a craving for something irresistibly cheesy, flavorful, and downright comforting, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish pairs juicy, tender chicken breasts with a crispy, golden cheesy crust that bursts with the perfect blend of ranch dressing, Parmesan, provolone, and cheddar cheese. It’s like a cozy steakhouse experience right from your own oven—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe truly delicious lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful blend of ingredients. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the smoky paprika to the rich cheeses and the crunchy cracker topping. Let’s break down the essentials that come together beautifully for this dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect base, pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking when searing the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth essential for savory dishes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity with a sweet, mellow bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that elevates the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning to perfect balance and boost all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and earthiness, key for depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the Parmesan crust, lending nutty, tangy sharpness.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts smoothly, providing creamy richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings bold, slightly sharp flavor and that irresistible golden color.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, buttery crust that contrasts the tender chicken.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Adds moisture, tang, and herbaceous flair, ensuring the topping stays perfectly cohesive.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple spice blend is the foundation of that signature robust flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, creating a flavorful exterior while keeping the inside undercooked so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Step 3: Add Ranch and Cheese Topping
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and spread a thin layer of ranch dressing over each breast. Then, combine Parmesan, provolone, cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers in a bowl. Press this cheesy mixture firmly onto the chicken breasts, forming a thick, crispy crust that will bake to bubbly perfection.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The topping should be golden, bubbly, and perfectly crunchy, while the chicken remains moist and tender inside.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to contrast the richness of the cheese. A lemon wedge on the side adds a lovely zesty note if you want to brighten things up with a squeeze of citrus.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement this Parmesan chicken perfectly. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad offer a refreshing balance and color contrast that makes the dish feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts and arrange them atop a bed of garlic butter pasta or a wild rice pilaf. You can also serve alongside a warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness. Presentation with contrasting colors and textures always adds to the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the prepared chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without losing the crisp texture of the cheese topping, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Microwaving works too, but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of provolone and cheddar?
Absolutely! Mozzarella makes a great substitute for provolone for a milder flavor, and you can swap cheddar for Colby or Monterey Jack if you prefer. The key is a good melt and secure, flavorful crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs in place of the Ritz crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you would need to replace the cheeses and ranch dressing with suitable dairy-free alternatives. The texture and flavor will be different, but it’s possible to customize to your needs.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it. Start from the center and work your way outwards until the thickness is uniform.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
While this recipe is designed for the oven to ensure the cheese topping melts and crisps perfectly, you can grill the seared chicken without the topping and add the cheese at the end using a covered grill or broiler. Just watch carefully so the cheese melts without burning.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a beloved steakhouse favorite right to your kitchen table, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is your go-to dish. The combination of crispy, cheesy topping with juicy seasoned chicken is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll likely find it becoming a new favorite in your dinner rotation, loved by family and friends alike!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of seasonings, topped with a rich mixture of Parmesan, provolone, cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers, then baked to golden perfection. The addition of ranch dressing adds a creamy tang, making this cheesy baked chicken dish a delicious and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor while partially cooking the chicken without fully cooking it.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spread a thin, even layer of ranch dressing over the top of each breast to add moisture and tangy flavor.
- Apply the Cheese Topping: In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. Press this cheesy mixture firmly onto the ranch-coated chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered for a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm, ideally paired with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Ritz crackers with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Mozzarella cheese can be used instead of provolone if you prefer a different cheese flavor.
- Serve this chicken alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
