Description
This recipe delivers the comforting flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken right in your own kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, flavorful Parmesan breading, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then baked with a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Italian breadcrumbs can be used for extra flavor, see “Tips”)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (use a good quality Parmesan for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Preparation:
This recipe involves a simple dredging and cooking process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the correct temperature for baking the chicken and melting the cheese evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the breading station. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, half (1/2 cup) of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings. This creates the flavorful, crispy coating for the chicken.
Step 3: In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Place the all-purpose flour in a third shallow dish. This flour coating helps to absorb moisture from the chicken and allows the egg wash to stick better, resulting in a crispier breading.
Step 5: Dredge the chicken breasts. One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Ensure the entire chicken breast is covered in the breadcrumb mixture for a consistent, crispy coating.
Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it.
Step 7: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The goal here is not to cook the chicken all the way through, but to develop a nice, crispy crust.
Step 8: Transfer the pan-fried chicken breasts to a baking dish. Use a baking dish that is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts in a single layer.
Step 9: Prepare the cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the minced garlic. Mix well. The garlic adds a lovely aromatic element to the cheese topping.
Step 10: Top each chicken breast with the cheese mixture. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Why you will love this recipe:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of a restaurant favorite without leaving your house. The Parmesan crusted coating, coupled with the melted mozzarella and Parmesan, provides a satisfyingly rich and flavorful experience.
- Easy and Accessible: The ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, and the steps are straightforward, making it a great recipe for both beginner and experienced cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The crispy coating and cheesy topping are universally appealing.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can add more garlic, use different types of cheese, or incorporate herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken over your favorite pasta, tossed with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make a healthy and delicious side.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting accompaniment.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Italian Breadcrumbs: For a more pronounced Italian flavor, use Italian breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs.
- Pounding the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook evenly. This also helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure that the chicken browns evenly.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the cheese topping.
- Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Air Fryer Option: While this recipe calls for pan-frying and baking, you can also adapt it for the air fryer. Spray the breaded chicken with olive oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Then top with cheese and air fry for another minute or two until the cheese is melted.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
- Protein: 45-55 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg (depending on the type of cheese and breadcrumbs used)
Conclusion:
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its crispy Parmesan coating, tender chicken, and melted cheese topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is also versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. Pat them dry with paper towels before dredging to remove excess moisture, which will help the breadcrumbs adhere better.
Q2: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend by combining equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. A teaspoon of this homemade blend will work perfectly in place of the store-bought Italian seasoning.
Q3: Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking. Dredge the chicken in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, then place it in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, top with the cheese mixture and bake as directed. This can be a great time-saver on busy weeknights.
Q4: My breadcrumbs are browning too quickly when pan-frying. What should I do?
A: If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. You can also add a small amount of olive oil to the pan if it seems dry. Be careful not to burn the breadcrumbs, as this will result in a bitter taste.
Q5: Can I bake the chicken without pan-frying it first?
A: While pan-frying adds a nice crispy texture and flavor to the chicken, you can bake it without pan-frying if you prefer. Place the breaded chicken breasts directly in the baking dish, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
