If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful chicken dishes, this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your home. With juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts, a creamy ranch spread, gooey provolone cheese, and a crispy Parmesan crust, this recipe is the perfect way to recreate a beloved restaurant dish right in your own kitchen.
The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that tastes just as delicious (if not better!) than the version from your favorite steakhouse. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special celebration, or whenever you just need a comforting, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ranch Spread:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Topping:
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and come out perfectly juicy.
- Season the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with a bit of olive oil to keep it tender and juicy while cooking. Then, season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The paprika adds a smoky depth, and the salt and pepper give the chicken a perfect balance of flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: There are two options here for cooking your chicken. You can either grill or pan-sear it over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring it reaches that same perfect temperature. The key is to not overcook it, so the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Make the Ranch Spread
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese. This simple mixture is a game-changer—it creates a creamy, cheesy layer that’ll melt perfectly into the chicken once it’s topped.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crust
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together until the mixture is well-combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with the buttery goodness.
- Assemble and Bake
- Top the Chicken: Once your chicken is cooked, place it on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of the ranch mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, making sure it’s fully covered with that creamy goodness.
- Add the Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle the prepared Parmesan crust mixture generously over the ranch spread and provolone cheese. The Parmesan crust will give the chicken an irresistible crispy texture once it’s broiled.
- Broil Until Golden: Transfer the chicken to the oven and broil it for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it because broiling can burn the top quickly. You want the crust to turn a golden, crispy brown and the cheese to melt perfectly. When done, the cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned on top.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chicken is broiled to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more succulent. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes—mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are all fantastic options. Don’t forget to add a little garnish, like freshly chopped parsley, to make it look as good as it tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is delicious all on its own, but when paired with the right sides, it becomes an irresistible meal. Consider serving it with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of the potatoes balances out the rich and crispy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add a healthy touch and complement the flavors of the chicken.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chicken and brings freshness to the dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Perfectly Juicy Chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, try marinating it in olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken retain moisture and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the chicken and the Parmesan crust mixture ahead of time. Simply assemble it before you’re ready to bake, and it will be ready to go!
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Customize the Cheese: For a different twist, you can mix provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese. If you like a stronger flavor, consider using aged cheddar.
- Spicy Kick: Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy version of this dish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the crust crispy.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. To do so, cook the chicken without the topping and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it, add the ranch spread, cheese, and crust, and broil to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re a bit more tender and juicy, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to account for the difference in thickness.
- How do I prevent the crust from burning under the broiler? Watch your chicken closely while it’s under the broiler. You can also move the rack to a lower position in the oven if you find the crust is browning too quickly.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Absolutely! Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and swap the provolone and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Can I air fry the chicken? Yes, you can! Air fry the seasoned chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Then, add the ranch mixture and the crust, and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the topping.
- What sides go well with Parmesan crusted chicken? Mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad are all great choices. You can’t go wrong with any of these!
Conclusion
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is everything you want in a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s cheesy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of ranch dressing and Parmesan. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special family gatherings. The crispy crust, tender chicken, and melty cheese will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen!
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken features juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch spread, melted provolone cheese, and a crispy Parmesan crust. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese to make the ranch spread.
- In a separate bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to make the Parmesan crust.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet and spread the ranch mixture evenly over each breast.
- Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each ranch-covered chicken breast, then sprinkle the Parmesan crust mixture on top of the cheese.
- Broil the chicken under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 38gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
