Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Introduction

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, restaurant-style chicken dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Inspired by the popular dish from LongHorn Steakhouse, this recipe features chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, served with a creamy sauce that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this Parmesan-crusted chicken is sure to impress your family and friends with its incredible texture and rich flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy coating and the juicy, tender chicken. The Parmesan crust adds a savory richness, while the creamy sauce brings a touch of luxury to every bite. This is a meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home.

In this article, we’ll explore why Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a standout dish, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it, and share helpful tips and variations to elevate this meal to new heights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a feast for a crowd, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, Flavorful Coating: The Parmesan crust gives the chicken a deliciously crispy, savory exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
• Creamy, Luscious Sauce: The rich cream sauce complements the crispy chicken, adding a depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its restaurant-worthy taste, this dish is easy to make and can be ready in just 30-40 minutes.
• Impressive Presentation: The crispy golden crust and creamy sauce make for a visually appealing meal that will impress your guests.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, adding vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family meal or dinner with friends.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 600, Protein: 40g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 35g.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are the classic choice for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy when properly seasoned and cooked.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken before breading, creating a light and crispy exterior.
• 2 large eggs: Beaten, for binding the breadcrumbs and Parmesan to the chicken.
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken a perfect crunch.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor to the crust that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth to the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For added richness when pan-frying the chicken.

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the base for the creamy sauce, making it rich and luscious.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: To add a savory flavor and thin out the sauce slightly.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: To give the sauce a creamy, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crusted chicken.
• 1 tablespoon butter: For richness and to help emulsify the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: For color and a hint of freshness in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
• Optional: Fresh parsley: For garnish and added color when serving.

First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential for ensuring that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station by placing three shallow dishes or bowls on your counter:
   • In the first bowl, add the flour.
   • In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
   • In the third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring an even coating. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
4. Let the Chicken Rest: After breading the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick better when you fry it.

Second Step: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. The oil helps crisp up the breading, while the butter adds flavor and richness.
2. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Once the oil and butter are hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.

Third Step: MAKE THE CREAM SAUCE

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the garlic powder and cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent it from burning.
2. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the dried parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken to your desired consistency.

Final Step: ASSEMBLE AND SERVE

1. Plate the Chicken: Once the chicken has rested, place it on individual serving plates.
2. Spoon the Cream Sauce: Generously spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top of each chicken breast. The sauce will drizzle over the crispy crust, adding richness and depth to each bite.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great ideas for serving:

1. With Mashed Potatoes

The creamy sauce from the chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes. The sauce can be poured over the potatoes for an extra indulgent touch.

2. Steamed Vegetables or Roasted Vegetables

Serve the chicken with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The vegetables will add a healthy balance to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

3. A Simple Salad

Pair the chicken with a crisp, refreshing salad—something like a Caesar salad, mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette, or a tangy arugula salad. The freshness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken.

4. Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread

Serve the meal with some garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover cream sauce on the plate.

Recipe Variations

While Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fantastic as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Add Vegetables to the Sauce

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream sauce. These vegetables add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

2. Use Chicken Thighs

While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Thighs are also a bit more forgiving if overcooked slightly.

3. Make it Spicy

For a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. This will balance the richness of the Parmesan and add an exciting flavor contrast.

4. Try a Different Cheese

For a unique twist, experiment with other types of cheese for the crust or the sauce. Asiago, Romano, or even sharp cheddar could be used in place of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying ensures that the crust adheres properly and becomes crispy.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick while simmering, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or even some pasta water.
4. Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan tends to be drier and lacks the depth of flavor that freshly grated cheese provides.

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Conclusion

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining the crispy crunch of Parmesan-coated chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level. This easy-to-make, yet impressive meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its irresistible flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try today, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough to make at home!