This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a tasty, crispy delight everyone will love! With juicy chicken coated in a cheesy, golden crust, it brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen.
I mean, who doesn’t love something cheesy and crunchy? Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—I just bake it and let the oven do the magic while I nibble on some snacks. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try boneless thighs for a juicier option!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan works best for a richer flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use pre-grated, but fresh will always give a better result.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add extra flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for that crunch!
Butter and Olive Oil: Mixing these helps prevent the butter from burning. Feel free to use just olive oil for a lighter version, or substitute with avocado oil.
Garlic Powder and Paprika: These add great flavor! For a different twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or Italian herbs for a different flair.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial because it helps them cook evenly. This way, you avoid dry edges while waiting for the center to cook through. Here’s a quick guide:
- Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet (or a rolling pin) to gently pound until they’re about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook them on medium heat in the skillet to achieve that golden brown crust before baking.
Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (75°C). Happy cooking!
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly, so you don’t end up with dry edges and a raw center. Just cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Set Up the Breading Stations:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bread the Chicken:
First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Make sure to press the coating to stick well to the chicken.
5. Cook the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and hot. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Add the Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat. Now, top each chicken breast evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
Garnish your delicious chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side if you’d like a little zesty kick!
Enjoy your homemade Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite salad! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Just ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Italian-Style Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute with plain breadcrumbs; just add some Italian seasoning to the flour mixture to add that flavor back. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs also work great for a crunchy texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are many good mixes available that can easily be swapped in!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, bread it, and then store it in the refrigerator uncooked for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before cooking for even results. Alternatively, bake it fully and reheat in the oven or microwave later!
