Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that’s easy to make at home. Tender chicken breasts are marinated, seared, topped with cheese and a savory breadcrumb crust, then broiled to golden perfection. It’s a perfect dinner option that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
2. Step 2: Marinate the chicken in Italian salad dressing for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, covered in a bowl or sealed in a freezer bag.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Use tongs to transfer the marinated chicken from the dressing (discard excess marinade) and sear for 5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
4. Step 4: Mix ¼ cup of parmesan cheese with the ranch dressing. Spread this mixture evenly over each cooked chicken breast. Top each breast with a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Step 5: Place the skillet directly into the oven and broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, as broilers can work quickly.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, combine melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese in a bowl.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the pan from the oven (it will be very hot). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken. Return the skillet to the oven and broil until the topping is golden brown. Remove and serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a mild kick.
• Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred.
• Use a meat mallet and a zip-top bag when pounding chicken to keep your kitchen clean.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the breadcrumb topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 106 reviews

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy crust with tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in Italian dressing and topped with a flavorful parmesan-ranch mixture and provolone cheese. Finished under the broiler with a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, it’s a perfect restaurant-inspired dish you can easily make at home.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Toppings

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

• Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or gallon freezer bag and pour in the Italian salad dressing. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor and juiciness.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet. Use tongs to remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and sear each side for 5 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Avoid pouring marinade into the skillet to prevent excess liquid.
4. Add Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup parmesan cheese and all of the ranch dressing. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooked chicken breasts. Then, place one slice of provolone cheese atop each piece.
5. Broil the Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly into the oven and broil on low for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning as broilers vary in intensity.
6. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While broiling, combine melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese in a bowl, mixing until evenly incorporated.
7. Bread and Broil Again: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Return the skillet to the oven and broil until the breadcrumb topping turns a golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with optional parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• For best results, do not over-marinate chicken as too much acid can toughen the meat.
• Watch the broiler carefully during both broiling steps to prevent burning the cheese or breadcrumbs.
• If you don’t have a cast iron skillet safe for broiling, transfer chicken to a broiler-safe pan after searing.
• Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Leftover chicken can be reheated gently in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Copycat Longhorn, Broiled Chicken, Crispy Chicken Breast, Italian Dressing Chicken