Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! You can swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs . Just note that thighs take a little longer to cook due to their higher fat content. Cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How do I make LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken low-carb?

To make this dish keto-friendly , simply: Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use a low-carb ranch dressing for the cheese topping. Choose mozzarella and Parmesan (low-carb cheeses).

Can I air fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Air frying gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) . Cook the marinated chicken for 10-12 minutes , flipping halfway. Add the cheese topping and air fry for 2-3 more minutes until melted and golden brown.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days . Freeze: Not recommended, as the crispy topping may become soggy. Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes , or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes for best results.

What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Some great sides include: Classic Options: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Low-Carb Choices: Cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad. LongHorn-Inspired Pairings: Garlic butter rolls and a side of ranch dressing.

Can I make the cheese topping ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cheese topping mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading on the chicken.

What cheese is best for Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

For the best melty, flavorful topping , use a mix of: Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, sharp flavor. Provolone cheese – For a creamy melt. Mozzarella cheese – For a stretchy, gooey texture.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Yes! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side , until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). Add cheese topping and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes for the crispy crust.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness : Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Mix melted butter with the panko before sprinkling on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden-brown finish.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the topping?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts better ! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect how smoothly it melts. For the best results, grate Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone yourself.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

If you’re not a fan of ranch, try these alternatives for a creamy, flavorful topping: Caesar dressing – Adds a tangy, garlicky twist. Garlic aioli – For extra richness and flavor. Cream cheese & sour cream mix – A thicker, tangy alternative.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free Parmesan Crusted Chicken : Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs . Ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free . Double-check all seasoning mixes for hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Here’s how to prep ahead : Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the crispiest texture!

How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

To keep your chicken juicy: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. Don’t overcook! Use a thermometer and stop cooking at 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

Why isn’t my topping crispy enough?

If your Parmesan crust isn’t crispy , try this: Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. Mix panko with melted butter before sprinkling it on top. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet so air circulates under the chicken.

Can I use Italian breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko gives a crispier texture ! If using Italian breadcrumbs, mix them with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp up.

Does this taste exactly like LongHorn’s version?

This copycat recipe gets very close to the restaurant version! Some say it’s even better because it’s homemade and customizable. If you want the exact flavor, make sure to: Use Worcestershire sauce and garlic in the marinade. Mix ranch dressing and Parmesan for the topping. Use a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the best melty crust.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just lay the chicken breasts in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake in batches if needed. You may need to adjust the broiling time to make sure all pieces get crispy!

Can I add extra seasonings to the chicken?

Of course! While the original recipe has a savory garlic-butter seasoning , you can add: Smoked paprika for a smoky depth. Italian seasoning for extra herbs. Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a lighter version , try these swaps: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying. Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for the cheese topping. Replace panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a lower-carb crust.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it first ! Cooking frozen chicken will result in uneven cooking. To quickly thaw chicken , place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes .

Can I use mayo instead of ranch dressing?

Yes! Mayo works well as a substitute , adding creaminess and helping the cheese stick. For extra flavor, mix it with a little garlic powder and lemon juice.

Can I add bacon to this recipe?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon makes everything better. Try: Chopping cooked bacon and mixing it into the cheese topping. Wrapping the chicken in bacon before cooking for extra flavor. Sprinkling bacon crumbles over the final dish.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

To keep the cheese topping crispy when reheating: Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes . Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes . Avoid the microwave , as it can make the topping soggy.

LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe (Better Than the Original!)

Description

LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

⭐ Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Marinate Time: 30 minutes – 4 hours
⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
📌 Total Time: ~40 minutes (plus marination time)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Parmesan Cheese Mixture:

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup ranch dressing
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Crispy Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Topping

In a bowl, mix Parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, ranch dressing, and garlic powder until combined.
In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Assemble & Broil

Remove chicken from the oven and spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
Sprinkle with the buttery panko topping.
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Notes & Tips

Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Broil carefully! Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Air Fryer Option: Cook chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then add the topping and air fry for another 2 minutes.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your homemade LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken! 🍗🔥