Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oozing with cheesy, tangy goodness — this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. The buttery crust of parmesan, panko, and creamy ranch-dijon sauce elevates the humble chicken breast into a golden, mouthwatering masterpiece. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent yet familiar, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser.

Inspired by the fan-favorite from Longhorn Steakhouse, this version captures all the textures and bold flavors of the original, but with a homemade twist. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make — you’ll only need a few pantry staples and a handful of ingredients. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Bursting with cheesy, savory flavor from the rich parmesan crust and creamy sauce.
• No deep fryer needed — it’s oven-baked or skillet-seared for a golden, crispy finish.
• Perfect balance of textures: crispy coating, juicy chicken, and melty topping.
• A family favorite that feels gourmet but is weeknight-friendly.
• Easy to customize with spices, cheeses, or heat levels.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To nail this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need a few key tools:

• Meat mallet: Essential for flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll use these for dredging, mixing the crust ingredients, and preparing the sauce layers.
• Oven-safe skillet or baking sheet: For a golden crust, oven-searing or baking is a must.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
• Microplane or grater: Ideal for finely shredding fresh parmesan, which melts better than pre-grated.

Each tool adds to the consistency, texture, and safety of your cooking process, so don’t skip them if you want restaurant-worthy results.

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Preparation Tips

Start by flattening your chicken breasts — this not only ensures quick and even cooking but also helps the crust stick better. Season both sides generously before dredging. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after seasoning to absorb the flavors. When preparing your crust, use freshly shredded parmesan for maximum melt and flavor. If pan-searing before baking, make sure your skillet is properly preheated for a crisp finish. Finally, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and delicious.

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Ingredients for this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and halved to make 4 thin cutlets)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

For the Ranch-Dijon Spread:

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• 1/3 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by butterflying and halving the chicken breasts so you have 4 evenly sized pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each cutlet to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet — it will finish in the oven. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Ranch-Dijon Spread

While the chicken is searing, mix the ranch dressing and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This tangy, creamy mixture will act as the first flavorful layer under the crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Crust

In another bowl, mix together grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble the Toppings

Once the chicken is seared, spread a thin layer of the ranch-Dijon mixture over each cutlet. Then top generously with the parmesan crust mixture, gently pressing it down to adhere.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the skillet or transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side.

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Notes

This dish is all about layering flavor and texture, so take your time with each step. Use high-quality parmesan and provolone cheeses for the best melt and taste. Freshly grated parmesan works much better than pre-shredded. If you’re short on time, you can prep the chicken, sauce, and crust mixture a few hours in advance and assemble just before baking. It’s also a fantastic recipe for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the pounding step: Uneven chicken breasts can lead to undercooked centers or dry edges.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and browning.
• Overcooking the chicken: Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer — aim for 165°F.
• Overloading the crust: While tempting, too much topping can slide off or prevent even cooking.
• Not preheating the skillet or oven: Heat is crucial to getting that golden crust and seared flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, which will help keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy topping and breadcrumb texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 1 of 4 servings)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy. Adjust cook time slightly as needed.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute with Caesar, garlic aioli, or a homemade yogurt-based herb sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs.

What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, Caesar salad, or buttered corn are excellent pairings.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and toppings ahead, but for the best texture, bake it fresh before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the crust mixture.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

Fresh parsley is great for garnish, but dried Italian seasoning works best in the crust.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes. Check for doneness and avoid overcrowding the basket.

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Conclusion

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, indulgent dish that feels like a restaurant experience but is incredibly easy to pull off at home. With its crispy, cheesy crust and creamy tangy layer underneath, it satisfies comfort food cravings without the fuss. Perfect for a family dinner, a romantic meal, or meal prepping something truly delicious — this recipe deserves a spot in your go-to collection.

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