Easy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

I nearly dropped an entire tray of chicken the first time I tried making this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe for my family. Grandma swooped in, steadied my hands, and whispered, “Jazzy, the best dishes come from near-disasters!” She wasn’t wrong. The combination of tender chicken beneath that golden parmesan crust had everyone scraping their plates clean that night.

What started as my attempt to recreate our favorite restaurant treat has become our Sunday dinner tradition. The crispy, cheesy topping with that hint of ranch seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into something absolutely crave-worthy! I’ve perfected this recipe through countless family dinners, and I’m so excited to share all my tips with you today.

Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe! The first thing that’ll grab you is that irresistible aroma of melting cheeses that fills your kitchen. It’s like a warm hug that brings everyone running to the table. When you take that first bite, you’ll experience the perfect contrast between the juicy, tender chicken and that crispy, golden parmesan crust that shatters just slightly under your fork. The subtle tang from the ranch seasoning mingles with the nutty parmesan and creamy provolone in a way that makes your taste buds dance.

This is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen. It’s also become my secret weapon for casual dinner parties in the fall and winter months when we all crave something warm and comforting. Trust me, once you master this copycat Longhorn Steakhouse favorite, you’ll never need to make a reservation again!

Ingredients for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This recipe brings together some truly magical ingredients that transform ordinary chicken into something restaurant-worthy. I always keep these staples on hand for those nights when I want to turn dinner into something special without a lot of fuss. If you enjoy easy yet impressive recipes like this, you might also love my White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake for dessert!

What You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Ranch dressing
• Mayonnaise
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Shredded provolone cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Why These Ingredients Matter

The combination of ranch dressing and mayonnaise creates that creamy, tangy base that helps the cheesy crust stick to the chicken while keeping it incredibly moist during cooking. The mix of Italian and panko breadcrumbs gives you that perfect textural contrast with a satisfying crunch. As for the cheese blend, that’s where the magic happens! The parmesan provides that nutty, salty bite while the provolone melts into a gooey layer that pulls everything together. It’s this careful balance of flavors and textures that makes this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe taste like it came straight from the restaurant kitchen.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions for Making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Time to bring this restaurant favorite to life in your own kitchen! This recipe might seem fancy, but I promise the steps are straightforward and so worth it. Once you master this technique, you might want to try making my Almond Poppy Seed Muffins as the perfect breakfast companion for any leftover chicken.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. If using an air fryer instead, preheat to 375°F.
• Step 2: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes for a tender result.

• Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Step 4: In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup ranch dressing until smooth.
• Step 5: In another shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

• Step 6: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Step 7: Coat each chicken breast thoroughly in the mayo-ranch mixture, then press into the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Step 8: Place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

• Step 9: Top each chicken breast with a generous portion of the remaining cheese mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
• Step 10: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is bubbly and golden.
• Step 11: For an extra golden crust, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Step 12: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Hint: When pounding the chicken breasts, don’t skip this step! It ensures even cooking and tender meat. I like to use the flat side of a meat mallet wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent any mess and keep things clean.

Personal Anecdote

The first time I attempted this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe was for my parents’ anniversary dinner. Grandma had always handled special occasion meals, but I was determined to give her a break.

My kitchen looked like a cheese explosion had occurred. Breadcrumbs everywhere, ranch dressing dripping down cabinet doors, and I was nearly in tears when Grandma peeked in. Instead of taking over, she handed me her special cast iron skillet saying, “Jazzy, the best food comes from messy kitchens.”

That slightly chaotic dinner became one of our favorite family memories. Now, whenever I make this dish, I embrace the mess and remember that delicious food brings people together, imperfections and all.

Substitutions for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you need to adapt this recipe to fit different dietary needs or what’s in your pantry, here are some tested swaps that work beautifully:

Gluten-Free: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties. I’ve found that a mix of gluten-free panko and almond flour creates a wonderful crispy crust.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free parmesan alternatives and skip the provolone. Nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Lower Calorie: Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and use reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get that creamy flavor with less calories.

Herbs: No Italian seasoning? Use a mix of dried basil and oregano instead for that classic flavor profile.

Variations on Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Switch up this classic recipe to keep dinner exciting with these tasty twists:

Spicy: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or mix some hot sauce into the mayo-ranch spread for a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Italian Style: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on top of the chicken before adding the cheese mixture, then serve over pasta for a parmesan-crusted chicken parmesan fusion.

Herb Garden: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant, garden-fresh version that’s perfect for summer.

Lemon Pepper: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, zesty variation that pairs beautifully with spring vegetables.

Equipment for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

The right tools make all the difference when recreating this restaurant favorite at home:

Oven-Safe Skillet: I use my 12-inch cast iron skillet that Grandma gifted me years ago. It gives that perfect sear on the stovetop and transitions beautifully to the oven. If you don’t have cast iron, any oven-safe skillet works, but you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Meat Mallet: Essential for pounding the chicken to even thickness. If you don’t have one, a heavy rolling pin wrapped in plastic wrap works in a pinch.

Instant-Read Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of knowing when your chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F. I learned from making too many dry chicken breasts before investing in this kitchen must-have!

Shallow Dishes: Having two wider, shallow dishes for your dipping stations (one for the mayo-ranch mixture and one for the breadcrumb-cheese mixture) makes the coating process so much neater.

Parchment Paper: If using a baking sheet instead of a skillet, line it with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Storage Tips for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Store any leftover parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking pieces to preserve that delicious crust. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave which will make the crust soggy. Instead, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

This chicken doesn’t stand up well to freezing after it’s been cooked. The crispy texture of the crust suffers too much. However, you can prep ahead by coating the raw chicken, freezing it on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and continue with the cooking instructions, adding about 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For another delicious make-ahead option, try my German Chocolate Poke Cake which freezes beautifully!

Grandma’s Secret for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Grandma’s handwritten recipe card for this dish has a little note in the corner that I treasure: “Add a touch of honey to the mayo mixture, Jazzy. Nobody will know it’s there, but they’ll all wonder why it tastes so special.” That tiny teaspoon of honey balances the tanginess of the ranch perfectly! She also taught me to let the breaded chicken rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking so the coating adheres better. These two simple tricks transform a good chicken dish into one that has everyone asking for your secret.

FAQ about Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Conclusion:

This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has become my go-to dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s something almost magical about that moment when the golden, crispy parmesan crust meets the juicy chicken beneath. It transforms an everyday dinner into something that feels special. I love seeing faces light up around my table when I bring this out, just like they did the first time Grandma and I perfected our version together. For dessert, my Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies make the perfect sweet ending to this savory meal!

If you’re looking to elevate this meal even further, I recently discovered an amazing Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe variation that adds a garlic butter sauce that takes the flavor to a whole new level of deliciousness.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought to our family gatherings. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out or share your own special twists on this restaurant favorite! And remember what Grandma always says, the best meals aren’t about perfection, they’re about the love you stir into them.

Happy cooking!

Jasmine