This Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen! It features tender chicken breasts, coated in cheesy goodness and baked to perfection.
It’s such a hit at my house that even the pickiest eaters gobble it up! I love serving it with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You’ll definitely want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here for a tender texture. You could use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier meat.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor. If you don’t have these, plain breadcrumbs can be used. Enhance their flavor by mixing in Italian spices like oregano and basil.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for this recipe. However, if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese or even a mix of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan can work nicely.
Olive Oil: For frying, olive oil is a great choice, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed, as they have a higher smoke point.
Marinara Sauce: This is optional, but it adds a nice moisture layer. If you want to skip it, you could try a homemade tomato sauce or even pesto for a twist.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken hinges on a few key steps. First, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. This helps avoid any dry, overcooked edges.
- Quickly dredge the chicken in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Fry each chicken breast in hot oil just until golden brown. This not only adds flavor but also creates a barrier to keep moisture in while baking.
- Finally, don’t skip the baking step—even if the chicken looks done! This part ensures that the inside is thoroughly cooked through.
Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, and then an additional 20-25 minutes for cooking and baking. So, all in all, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish for a delicious chicken dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to lightly grease a baking dish, ensuring it’s ready for the chicken later.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. In the third bowl, mix together the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pound the Chicken:
To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken so it sticks well.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, fry the coated chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds fantastic flavor! Once done, transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
If you like, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast for an extra layer of flavor. Then top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken alongside pasta, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious creation! Everyone will be impressed with your cooking skills!
FAQ for Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before starting the recipe! Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water to ensure even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the chicken breasts a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry and bake. You may also cook the chicken and refrigerate it, then just reheat when needed, adding cheese and sauce before baking.
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use any favorite pasta sauce, such as pesto, Alfredo, or even a homemade tomato sauce. Each will give a different flavor profile to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out!
