Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a savory dish with grilled chicken and a crispy, creamy Parmesan crust full of bold flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is how easily you can find the ingredients—many of them are likely already in your kitchen! Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a crunch, or that distinctive zesty ranch flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a blank canvas that soaks up all the flavors and stays juicy.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that set the stage for all the layers of flavor to come.
- Vegetable oil: Helps you get that perfect golden sear in the skillet.
- Olive oil (marinade): Keeps the chicken moist and helps the flavors penetrate.
- Ranch dressing (marinade and crust): Doubles up for bold, herby tang in both the marinade and the cheesy topping.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a bit of savoriness.
- Distilled white vinegar: Just a splash boosts the marinade’s brightness.
- Lemon juice: Brings a touch of acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Minced garlic: Classic garlicky punch that pairs beautifully with the cheesy topping.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For both flavor-packed cheese layers and the ultimate savory crust.
- Chopped Provolone cheese: Melty, rich, and perfectly indulgent.
- Buttermilk ranch dressing (for crust): The secret to ultra-creamy, tangy cheese topping.
- Melted butter: Helps crisp up the panko in the crust so it’s gorgeously golden.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Bring the crunch factor and keep things light and crispy.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the bread crumb mixture with an extra savory boost.
How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy marinade. Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness—about half an inch—so they cook evenly and stay nice and juicy. Season generously with salt and pepper, tuck them into a resealable bag, and pour the marinade all over. Seal up the bag, massage everything together, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight if you’re a planner). This step infuses every bite with so much flavor, it’s totally worth the short wait.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high and add your vegetable oil. Once shimmering, lay the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side—don’t move them too much so you get that beautiful golden crust. When the chicken is cooked through and browned, move it onto a baking sheet or into an oven-safe dish and tent loosely with foil to keep things juicy while you prep the toppings.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Parmesan Topping
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, chopped Provolone, and buttermilk ranch dressing. Pop the bowl in the microwave for 15-second bursts, stirring between each until the cheese is completely melted and silky smooth. Spread this creamy layer generously over the tops of your cooked chicken breasts—it’s absolutely dreamy and makes this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken so iconic.
Step 4: Prepare the Parm-Crumb Topping
Mix together melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, more Parmesan, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. It should look sandy and golden. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese-coated chicken breasts—don’t skimp! The more topping, the more crunchy goodness you’ll have with every bite.
Step 5: Broil for a Crispy Finish
Preheat your oven broiler to low (around 450°F). Slide the baking sheet with your prepared chicken right under the broiler. Broil for just 3 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye. You want the crust deeply golden and bubbly, but don’t wander off—panko goes from perfect to burned quickly! Let the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken rest for about five minutes before serving, so all those amazing juices stay put.
How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds freshness and color, while an extra dusting of grated Parmesan gives each plate that extra classic Italian vibe. You might also zest a bit of lemon over the top if you love a citrusy pop—it’s totally optional, but it wakes up all the flavors in the dish.
Side Dishes
This indulgent chicken pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, buttered corn on the cob, or a simple Caesar salad. For a real steakhouse spread, serve it alongside a loaded baked potato or some freshly baked dinner rolls. The hearty, cheesy flavors play so well with classic comfort sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just feeling festive, try slicing the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken and fanning it over a bed of herbed rice, or serve it family-style on a big platter with roasted veggies. You can even turn leftovers into an amazing sandwich or slice it up to top a fresh salad with extra crunch and flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The chicken will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 days, and you can always revive it for easy lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This chicken actually freezes quite well! Let it cool completely, then wrap each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag and store for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep everything moist and tasty.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes to restore the original crunch and melty cheese. If you’re in a hurry, a quick trip in the microwave will do, but the crust might be softer—still delicious for a speedy meal!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful. Just keep an eye on the cook time since thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through completely.
What can I substitute for Provolone cheese?
If you’re out of Provolone, try Mozzarella for a milder melt or even Swiss for a slightly nutty flavor. The gooey, stretchy quality is what you’re after for that signature topping.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double check that your ranch dressing and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free varieties.
Can I prep the chicken ahead for meal planning?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then sear and broil when you’re ready to eat. You can also prepare the breadcrumb and cheese mixtures a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge.
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. If you don’t have one, just make a small cut in the thickest part; juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque and firm but still juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a true showstopper to impress family and friends, you can’t go wrong with Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This recipe brings all the wow-factor of your favorite restaurant meal right to your table, with incredible flavor and texture in every bite. Try it soon and get ready for rave reviews and happy, cheesy smiles all around!
Explore More Cheesy, Comforting Favorites
Craving more bold, crave-worthy meals like this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken? You’ll love these other flavor-packed dishes. For a buttery, bite-sized snack, check out our Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers Recipe—perfect for parties or casual evenings. Sweet tooth calling? Don’t miss the citrusy zing of our Lemon Rhubarb Dessert Bars Recipe for a refreshing contrast to savory mains. If you’re into easy, protein-rich options, consider trying the Low Carb Pizza Bowls or our fluffy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake to start your day strong. And for those who enjoy a restaurant-style twist at home, you’ll definitely want to add this Berry Cottage Cheese Cheesecake to your dessert rotation.
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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recreates the famous restaurant dish at home! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful blend, pan-seared, then topped with a creamy Parmesan-Provolone ranch sauce and a crispy, golden panko crust. It’s a showstopping main course that’s bursting with savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors—perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped Provolone cheese
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk ranch dressing
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness, season both sides with salt and pepper, place in a resealable bag, pour marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for more flavor).
- Sear the Chicken: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer chicken to an oven-safe baking sheet and tent loosely with foil.
- Prepare Parmesan Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together grated Parmesan, chopped Provolone, and ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until the cheeses are melted and mixture is smooth. Spread this cheesy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Panko Crust: In another bowl, mix together melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder until well combined. Sprinkle the mixture generously over each cheese-coated chicken breast to create an even layer.
- Broil to Finish: Preheat oven broiler on low (about 450°F). Place chicken under the broiler for 3–4 minutes, closely watching, until the panko crust is golden brown, crispy, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the toppings set and the juices redistribute. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken to uniform thickness before marinating.
- Marinating overnight will infuse more flavor and tenderness.
- Watch closely under the broiler to prevent burning the crust.
- Swap in Mozzarella for a milder cheesy topping if preferred.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 184mg