This Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken is a tasty dish that’s sure to impress. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy parmesan topping that adds a delightful flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. They bake evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well, just adjust cooking time slightly since they may take longer.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great salty flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or use a vegetarian Parmesan if needed. Freshly grated will melt better compared to pre-grated.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs give flavor and texture. If unavailable, plain breadcrumbs mixed with your favorite herbs will do fine. For a lighter version, try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch!
Eggs and Milk: These help the crust adhere. If you’re vegan or egg-free, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce instead.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crispy Crust?
The key to achieving that delicious, crispy crust is in the preparation and cooking technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to pat your chicken dry; removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and get crispy.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly. This ensures that it sticks during baking.
- Drizzles of olive oil or melted butter on top not only adds flavor but promotes browning. Don’t skip this step!
- For ultimate crispness, consider broiling for the last couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly.
Letting the chicken rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. In total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the crunchy coating for your chicken!
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well blended. This will help our breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they’re nice and dry. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat each one thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.
5. Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated chicken breasts into the greased baking dish. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top of each one to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Add Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you want an even crunchier topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just remember to watch carefully so they don’t burn!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they must be completely thawed before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Always pat them dry before coating for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also make your own by pulsing gluten-free bread in a food processor with your favorite herbs. Just ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave briefly. For better crispiness, reheating in an air fryer for a few minutes can work wonders!
What Can I Serve with Parmesan Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Serve it alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta tossed in a light sauce. For a comforting option, creamy mashed potatoes or rice would also complement the chicken nicely!
