Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place. This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings the restaurant favorite right into your own kitchen with a crunchy Parmesan crust that’s perfectly seasoned and golden brown. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea or just want to impress your family with a delicious homemade meal, this recipe has you covered with every bite offering that same crave-worthy Longhorn taste you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, cheesy crust: The Parmesan coating creates an irresistible, crispy texture that locks in moisture.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry, making this dish easy and quick.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies picky eaters and gourmet food lovers alike.
• Versatile meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions with little fuss.
• Restaurant-quality results: Recreate Longhorn’s signature dish at home without any fancy equipment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of simple, quality ingredients that combine to create a deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken dish. Each component plays a distinct role from boosting the crunch to adding a rich cheesy flavor and the right seasoning balance.

• Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless for easy cooking and tender bites.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum cheesiness and crisp crust texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy breadcrumbs to enhance the crunch without heaviness.
• Eggs: Acts as the perfect binding agent to hold the Parmesan and breadcrumbs on the chicken.
• Garlic powder: Adds mild, aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that brings herbal notes and depth to every bite.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season the chicken evenly and enhance all the flavors.
• Olive oil or butter: For pan-frying to golden perfection and extra flavor.

Variations for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences, making it fun to experiment with your favorite twists while keeping the core deliciousness intact.

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a hint of heat.
• Herb swap: Use fresh basil or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Cheese variety: Mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper, nuttier flavor.
• Low-carb choice: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds to keep it keto-friendly.

How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about half an inch, so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.

Step 2: Create the Coating Mixture

In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give you that crispy, cheesy crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, making sure to cover every inch for full flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and locks in all the delicious flavors of your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Even thickness: Pound chicken breasts for uniform cooking and tender texture every time.
• Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-grated for a richer taste and better crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches to maintain crispiness and avoid steaming.
• Medium heat: Keep the temperature moderate to ensure the coating browns perfectly without burning.
• Rest after cooking: Allow chicken to sit for a few minutes so juices redistribute for maximum moistness.

How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, balancing the rich cheesy coating beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan crusted chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter green beans, or even a crisp Caesar salad to keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of pasta tossed in a light tomato or Alfredo sauce, or layer it on toasted ciabatta bread for a mouthwatering sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover chicken tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy quick, tasty meals later.

Freezing

If you want to save this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for longer, freeze the cooked pieces individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust instead of using a microwave to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and offer a juicier result, but you may need to adjust cooking time as thighs are usually thicker.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for different textures and flavor variations.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

By swapping the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, you can make this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet without losing the crunch.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe and juicy.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet will work well though the crust may be slightly less crispy than pan-fried.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an absolute game-changer when you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food at home. With its crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken inside, it’s a recipe that’s both easy to make and always impresses. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite dinner!

Related Posts

• Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe Ideas
• Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls You’ll Love
• How to Make Baked Pineapple Salmon Perfectly

Print