LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe Guide

Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home is one of the most rewarding experiences for home cooks, and few dishes are as beloved as LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. This iconic entrée is known for its juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, crispy parmesan crust and topped with a melty, savory blend of mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan. It’s rich, comforting, and full of the classic American-steakhouse flavor that keeps diners coming back for more.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about making the perfect LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken—from understanding the dish’s origins to mastering the breading, perfecting the cheese crust, and even storing and reheating leftovers without losing texture. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant night at home, meal-prepping, or cooking for a crowd, this recipe will give you restaurant-quality results every time.

This article is designed to be thorough, deeply informative, SEO-optimized, and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Let’s dive in.

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What Is LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

LongHorn Steakhouse, one of America’s most popular casual-dining steakhouses, is known for its hearty meats, bold seasonings, and indulgent comfort food. Among its standout dishes is the classic Parmesan Crusted Chicken, famous for its crispy, golden breading and melty cheese topping. What sets the dish apart from other parmesan chicken recipes is the balance of flavors—savory parmesan, mild mozzarella, aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and a perfectly cooked chicken breast that remains tender and juicy.

This homemade version captures the essence of the restaurant favorite with simple, accessible ingredients. Even better, it allows for customization, healthier substitutions, and the ability to serve it fresh from the oven with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Before we get into the recipe itself, here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

✔ Affordable Restaurant-Quality Meal

Rather than spending on takeout, you get a dish that tastes just as delicious—if not better—at a fraction of the cost.

✔ Simple, Accessible Ingredients

Everything in this recipe can be found in the average home kitchen or local grocery store.

✔ Quick Weeknight Meal

With a total prep-to-table time of around 35–40 minutes, it’s fast, approachable, and ideal for busy households.

✔ Juicy Chicken + Crispy Crust

The three-step dredging method ensures the chicken develops a golden exterior while staying tender inside.

✔ Melty Cheese Topping

A blend of mozzarella and parmesan gives the perfect combination of gooey meltiness and bold savory flavor.

✔ Excellent for Meal Prep

Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great Sunday meal prep option.

Ingredients for LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

These are the exact ingredients you provided, used without alteration for recipe accuracy:

Chicken & Breading

1. 4 chicken breasts, boneless skinless
2. 1 cup bread crumbs
3. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1/4 cup milk

Cheese Topping & Seasoning

7. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8. 2 cloves garlic, minced
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. 1/2 teaspoon salt
11. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Pan-Frying

12. 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken (Detailed Step-by-Step Guide)

Below is the full cooking method, expanded professionally for clarity, accuracy, and maximum reader friendliness. The numbered steps match your original instructions, but expanded into a professional format.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Breading Stations

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Next, create a classic three-step breading station:

• Dish 1: Add all-purpose flour.
• Dish 2: Whisk together eggs and milk to create a smooth egg wash.
• Dish 3: Combine breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

This system ensures the chicken will hold its coating while achieving the perfect crispy crust. The flour sticks to the chicken, the egg wash sticks to the flour, and the breadcrumb mixture sticks beautifully to the egg.

Step 2 – Coat the Chicken Breasts

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps the breading stick properly.

Then coat each piece as follows:

1. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip into the egg wash, coating fully.
3. Press into the breadcrumb–parmesan mixture, ensuring each side is fully covered.

You should now have four nicely breaded chicken breasts ready for searing.

Step 3 – Pan-Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. They do not need to be fully cooked yet—this step creates the crust; the oven will finish the cooking later.

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4 – Prepare the Parmesan–Mozzarella Topping

In a bowl, combine:

• The remaining Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Minced garlic

Mix until evenly incorporated. This blend will melt into a creamy, savory topping during baking.

Step 5 – Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:

• The cheese is melted and golden
• The chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
• The crust is bubbly and aromatic

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are restaurant-worthy sides that pair beautifully:

1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes balance the crispy chicken perfectly.

2. Buttered Herb Pasta

Light, delicate, and perfect for soaking up extra cheese.

3. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans

Bright, fresh vegetables contrast the richness of the dish.

4. Caesar or House Salad

A crisp salad offers a refreshing balance.

5. Oven-Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms complement the Italian herbs.

6. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Perfect for scooping up melted cheese.

Tips for Perfect LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Every Time

✔ Pound the Chicken (Optional)

If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.

✔ Don’t Skip the Sear

Pan-searing produces a crispy crust that baking alone cannot replicate.

✔ Use Fresh Parmesan

Freshly grated parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded varieties.

✔ Let It Rest

Resting keeps juices inside the meat instead of spilling onto the plate.

Variations and Customizations

1. Spicy Version

Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

2. Low-Carb Version

Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

3. Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free flour and GF breadcrumbs.

4. Herb Upgrade

Add dried basil, thyme, or oregano for a more intense Italian flavor.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Storing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

• Oven (recommended): 350°F for 12–15 minutes
• Air fryer: 5–7 minutes at 375°F
• Microwave: 1–2 minutes (texture will be softer)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on similar parmesan chicken recipes, approximate values may vary:

• Calories: ~400–500
• Protein: High
• Carbs: Moderate
• Fat: Moderate

(Your provided recipe included no specific nutritional values, so estimates are noted.)

Conclusion: Why This LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Is a Must-Try

This homemade version of LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken delivers everything fans love about the restaurant classic—juicy chicken, golden crispy breading, gooey cheese, and bold Italian flavor. The recipe is simple, reliable, and customizable, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a total beginner, this guide gives you everything you need to create a dish that tastes like it came straight out of a professional kitchen.

By following these detailed instructions, pairing your chicken with the right sides, and using the tips above, you’ll achieve a melt-in-your-mouth result every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work well and stay extremely juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

2. Can I air fry the parmesan chicken?

Yes. Air fry breaded chicken at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, then add cheese and air fry 2–3 more minutes.

3. What kind of parmesan works best?

Freshly grated parmesan is ideal. Pre-shredded varieties do not melt as smoothly.

4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 8 hours before cooking.

5. Why is my breading falling off?

Common causes include:

• Chicken not dried properly
• Skipping the flour step
• Handling the chicken too much during searing

6. Can I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.

7. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Avoid over-baking and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F internally.

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