Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish where the chicken breasts are coated with a mixture of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked to perfection. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust that complements the juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s a popular choice for a hearty meal, offering a rich, savory taste with every bite.
The preparation time for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is quick, with about 10 minutes needed to set up the breading. The cooking time in the skillet is around 6-8 minutes, followed by a 20-25 minute bake in the oven. In total, you can expect the dish to be ready in under 40 minutes.
Many home cooks find that Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a perfect balance of flavor and ease. The crispy parmesan crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the tender chicken inside remains juicy and flavorful. It’s an excellent option for busy nights when you want something quick yet delicious. Adding fresh parsley as a garnish gives it a burst of color, making it both appetizing and visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love It Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Crispy and Flavorful Crust: The Parmesan crust gives the chicken a delightful crispy texture that perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken inside. Every bite is packed with a savory, cheesy flavor that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
- Simple and Quick to Prepare: Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Satisfying: This dish pairs well with various sides, from fresh salads to mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile meal that suits different preferences, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They are a great source of protein and cook up quickly, making them perfect for this recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: This adds a rich, sharp flavour to the crust. It helps create a golden, crispy coating that enhances the texture and taste of the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken its crunchy texture. Breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that crispy crust on the outside while keeping the chicken moist inside.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the chicken before the breadcrumb mixture, flour helps the crumbs stick to the chicken, ensuring a crisp coating when cooked.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the chicken, making the crust stick better and providing moisture during cooking.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savoury, aromatic flavour to the chicken. Garlic powder is more concentrated than fresh garlic, giving a punch of flavour without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and enhances the overall savoury taste of the chicken. It’s mild but adds depth to the dish.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme has an earthy, slightly minty taste that pairs wonderfully with chicken. It’s a common herb used in savoury dishes to elevate the flavour profile.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavours of the chicken and the crust. Salt helps to bring out the flavours, while pepper adds a mild kick.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken, olive oil adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust while keeping the chicken moist.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the dish with a fresh, slightly peppery taste and adds a pop of green colour.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When preparing Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, focus on using fresh ingredients. The key to a crispy crust is in the Parmesan cheese. Ensure it’s finely grated to evenly coat the chicken for the best texture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavours.
Adding your touch to Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken can make the dish unique. For extra flavour, try adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This simple addition can elevate the dish and give it your personal spin, making it even more enjoyable.
Another tip is to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time. If you prefer a juicy result, marinate the chicken for 15–30 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken stays tender while the crust crisps up nicely, giving you the perfect balance.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Variation
To put a twist on the traditional Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, try adding herbs like basil or thyme to the Parmesan crust. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a more complex flavour profile. Mozzarella or cheddar are great options if you want a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Another variation is to add a drizzle of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
For a healthier alternative, try baking the chicken instead of frying it, or use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make the crust gluten-free. These small changes can keep the dish both exciting and suitable for various dietary preferences.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad to add some freshness, or enjoy it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
For a more filling option, serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of pasta. You can also top it with a homemade marinara sauce or serve it alongside garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired dinner. Whether you keep it light or indulge in more hearty sides, this dish is sure to impress.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, store the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy again and the chicken is heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs About Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
How is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken prepared?
The chicken is seasoned and then coated in a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. It is pan-seared to create a crispy crust and finished in the oven for a juicy inside.
Is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken spicy?
No, the dish isn’t spicy. It has a rich, cheesy flavor with a mild seasoning, making it suitable for those who prefer less spice.
Can I make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home?
Yes, you can recreate this dish at home by following a similar recipe with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chicken breast. It’s a simple and tasty dish to prepare for family dinners.
What is a good side dish for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Some great side dishes for this chicken include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. These sides complement the cheesy and crispy texture of the chicken.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the dredging station: In one bowl, add flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, ensuring it is coated evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is crispy.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
