Easy Delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken You’ll Love

If you’re craving juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust that tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish, this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a must-try. It’s packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without the fuss. The combination of creamy ranch, melty provolone, and a crunchy Parmesan-panko topping creates a heavenly texture and taste that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Let’s break down the magic behind this dish. The star is, of course, the chicken breasts, seasoned perfectly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then brushed with olive oil to lock in moisture. The Parmesan crust? It’s a luscious blend of Parmesan cheese, provolone, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy base that’s topped with buttery panko crumbs seasoned with Italian herbs for that irresistible crunch.

How to Prepare the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, mix together your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning blend brings a wonderful depth of flavor without overpowering the chicken.

Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil — this not only helps the seasoning stick but also keeps the meat moist and juicy as it cooks. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over each piece, massaging it in for the best flavor penetration.

Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in those juices and adds a lovely texture before baking.

Once seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures perfectly cooked chicken that’s tender and safe to eat.

Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Parmesan Crust

While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the delicious Parmesan crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone (or mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese), ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Stir these together until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the secret to the rich, flavorful layer that melts beautifully over the chicken.

Then, prepare the panko topping. In a small bowl, toss together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, additional Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The butter coats the crumbs, helping them brown nicely under the broiler, while the seasoning adds extra flavor and aroma.

Assembling and Broiling for the Perfect Finish

Once your chicken is baked through, remove it from the oven and spread a generous layer of that creamy Parmesan mixture over each breast. This layer adds moistness and a tangy richness.

Next, sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the cheese layer. This is the step that delivers that signature crispy crust everyone loves.

Set your oven to broil, and place the skillet back in for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the topping is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning — broilers can work quickly!

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Serving Suggestions to Make It a Complete Meal

Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before plating. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite juicy.

This Parmesan crusted chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. For something lighter, steamed veggies and a squeeze of lemon make a refreshing side.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• For extra juicy chicken, try marinating your breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference — it melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
• If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or the panko topping for a spicy kick.
• To make it lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the Parmesan crust mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
• You can air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then add the toppings and air fry for another 2-3 minutes if you want to skip the oven.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat while keeping that crust crispy, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

You can freeze cooked chicken without the topping for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw and add the Parmesan crust topping fresh, then broil until golden and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make the chicken extra juicy?
A quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking can work wonders to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the chicken and Parmesan mixture ahead and assemble just before baking or broiling.

What kind of ranch dressing works best?
A creamy ranch dressing is key here. Homemade or a good-quality store brand will give you the best flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a vegan ranch dressing for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch — juicy chicken breasts covered in a creamy ranch spread, topped with melty provolone and a perfectly crispy Parmesan crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve for guests or celebrations. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!

Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, flavorful bite!