When I first tried Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at a cozy family gathering, I was immediately captivated by the golden, crispy crust and the ooey-gooey cheese melting into every bite. The combination of savory Parmesan and the zing of ranch dressing transformed an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary. If you’re tired of fast food and crave homemade flavors that don’t compromise on convenience, this vibrant dish is your answer.
Imagine the scent of garlic mingling with melted cheese wafting through your kitchen as you prepare to impress friends and family with just one pan! With minimal prep time and a tantalizing finish under the broiler, you’ll create a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up. Get ready for a dinner that turns “what’s for dinner?” into an excited celebration of flavors. Let’s dive right into this scrumptious recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Why You'll Love This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- The rich and cheesy flavor, paired with the crispy panko topping, creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will adore.
- Its versatility allows you to pair it with various sides, elevating your meal to suit any occasion.
- Visually, the golden crust and melted cheese make this dish a standout that will impress your guests and family alike.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – These are tender and cook quickly, perfect for this recipe.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, enhancing the flavors of the chicken.
For the Marinade
• Vegetable oil – Helps to sear the chicken, creating a delightful golden crust.
• Olive oil – Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Ranch dressing – Brings a creamy element with a hint of tanginess.
• Worcestershire sauce – Imparts depth and umami flavor.
• White vinegar – Brightens up the flavors, balancing richness.
• Lemon juice – Adds a touch of acidity to cut through the heaviness of the cheese.
• Minced garlic – Infuses the marinade with aromatic goodness.
• Pepper – For an extra kick to the marinade’s flavor profile.
For the Cheese Topping
• Chopped Parmesan cheese – Provides a nutty flavor and is key to the cheesy crust.
• Chopped Provolone cheese – Adds creaminess and enhances the cheese blend.
• Buttermilk Ranch dressing – A delicious creamy layer that complements the chicken beautifully.
For the Crust
• Melted butter – Binds the breadcrumb mixture while adding richness.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Creates that crispy texture on top, perfect for broiling.
• Garlic powder – Elevates the flavor of the crust, adding a delightful garlic essence.
Each of these Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken ingredients contributes to a mouthwatering meal, ensuring every bite is as memorable as the last!
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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Pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness, ensuring they cook evenly. Season them generously with salt and pepper for a burst of flavor.
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Mix all the marinade ingredients, including the vegetable oil, olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through.
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Combine chopped Parmesan, Provolone, and Buttermilk Ranch dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until the mixture is melted and gooey.
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Spread the melted cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast, ensuring every bite will be cheesy.
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Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Layer this crunchy mixture on top of the cheese-covered chicken for a delightful crust.
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Broil the chicken on high for 3–4 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Room Temperature: Store any leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Freezer: Freeze Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through, to restore the crispy crust.
What to Serve with Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Transform your family dinner with perfect sides that complement this creamy, cheesy delight and elevate your meal to new heights.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken, soaking up the flavors perfectly.
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Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of sweet and savory veggies adds a burst of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the chicken.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with tangy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the cheesy goodness.
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Steamed Broccoli: Its slight bitterness offers a wonderful balance, while the vibrant green adds an inviting touch to your plate.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw brings a delightful textural contrast and helps cut through the richness of the dish.
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Herbed Quinoa: This fluffy grain is not only nutritious but adds an earthy flavor, making it a tasty and wholesome complement.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: Sopping up any leftover cheese sauce with warm, crispy bread ensures no good flavor goes to waste!
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and fizzy, this drink cleanses the palate, enhancing every bite of the cheesy chicken.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse offers the perfect sweet finish, rounding out a delightful meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. To do this, simply follow the marinating step, cover your marinated chicken, and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. Additionally, you can prepare the cheese mixture and crumb topping and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just sear the chicken, layer on your cheese mixture, and add the crumb topping before broiling. This prep-ahead strategy ensures that you’re just a few steps away from a delicious meal that tastes just as wonderful as if you made it from scratch on the spot!
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with your dish to make it uniquely yours—your kitchen, your rules!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for a crispy topping that's safe for celiac or gluten-sensitive friends.
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Spicy Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a delightful kick that will awaken your tastebuds.
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Veggie-Packed: Add thinly sliced zucchini or spinach to the cheese mixture to boost nutrition and create a vibrant flavor contrast.
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Herbal Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the chicken marinade for added depth and a fragrant aroma as it cooks.
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Cheese Lover’s Delight: Swap out Provolone for mozzarella or add a layer of Gouda for an extra cheesy experience that’s sure to please the crowd.
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Citrus Zing: Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the plated chicken for a bright flavor burst that complements the richness beautifully.
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Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For an elegant touch, drizzle balsamic reduction over the finished chicken to add a sweet acidity that balances the dish perfectly.
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Alternate Oils: Experiment with avocado oil or butter for the searing step for a different flavor profile that enhances the chicken's juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even ½ inch thickness to ensure they cook uniformly and remain juicy.
- When marinating, try to let the chicken sit overnight for enhanced flavor, as this allows the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- For a perfectly crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs, as they create a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Remember to keep a close watch during the broiling process, as the crust can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
For this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They are tender, cook quickly, and allow the flavors of the marinade and cheese to shine through.
How should I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy later. When reheating, I recommend warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes to keep the chicken juicy and the crust crispy.
Can I freeze Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Yes, you can! Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps it wholesome for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?
If you have chicken breasts of varying sizes, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy, preventing drier parts as they cook through. An even thickness means every bite will be just as delightful!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
It's important to note that this dish contains dairy (cheese and ranch dressing) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you're looking for alternatives, consider using dairy-free cheese options and a homemade dairy-free ranch dressing; there are plenty of coconut or cashew based alternatives available today.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Visually, the chicken should be golden and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness, ensuring they cook evenly. Season them generously with salt and pepper for a burst of flavor.
- Mix all the marinade ingredients, including the vegetable oil, olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine chopped Parmesan, Provolone, and Buttermilk Ranch dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until the mixture is melted and gooey.
- Spread the melted cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast, ensuring every bite will be cheesy.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Layer this crunchy mixture on top of the cheese-covered chicken for a delightful crust.
- Broil the chicken on high for 3–4 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
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