Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

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If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you might have fallen in love with their irresistible Parmesan Chicken. This dish perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that brings this restaurant favorite right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Parmesan Chicken is sure to impress. It’s straightforward to make, incredibly satisfying, and features simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a classic comfort food that combines crispy chicken breasts with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and downright addictive. What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect contrast of textures—the crunchy, golden crust on the chicken paired with the smooth, cheesy sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up!

The recipe is versatile and approachable, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something a little more special, this dish delivers. The enticing aroma as the chicken cooks and the sauce simmers will have everyone gathered around the kitchen in no time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better and ensures a crispy crust. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading ingredients. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and half of the Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup).

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, followed by pressing firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best texture and flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts carefully. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Add the remaining Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the Parmesan sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serve this delicious Parmesan Chicken with your favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
• Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with dried herbs.
• Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at medium heat to ensure the chicken crisps without burning.
• Sauce Consistency: If the Parmesan sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
• Make Ahead: You can bread the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in both the breading and sauce.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or sauce for a subtle heat.
• Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
• Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Oven-Baked: For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Parmesan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring the sauce occasionally. Avoid reheating at high temperatures to prevent drying out the chicken or curdling the sauce. If you have extra sauce separately, heat it slowly and pour over the chicken after reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to mimic the cheesy flavor, and check that your breadcrumbs are free from dairy ingredients.

What side dishes pair well with Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. For a lighter option, try serving with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy after adding the sauce?

To keep the chicken crispy, add the sauce just before serving and avoid letting it sit in the sauce for too long. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If simmering in the sauce, do so briefly to maintain some crispiness on the chicken crust.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Its balance of textures and bold flavors make it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right at home and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal any night of the week. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and pair it with your favorite sides to make the dish truly your own. Happy cooking!

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