If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken after just one bite, you’re not alone! This dish brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken, creamy ranch, and a trio of melted cheeses for an irresistible harmony of flavors. It’s decadent and deeply satisfying, yet requires only a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep. Whether you’re making a special dinner for loved ones or just spicing up your weeknight meal rotation, this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken copycat is bound to become a frequent favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how a dish this memorable can come from such a simple lineup! Each ingredient works its magic to create the happy marriage of flavor and texture in Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, from the tender chicken cutlets to the fresh, gooey cheese on top.
- Chicken breasts: Thin-cut, boneless, and skinless for quick, even cooking and juicy results every time.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip it, as it brings all the other flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- Garlic powder: Brings a savory, aromatic foundation to the chicken.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing, giving the chicken that light golden crust before baking.
- Ranch dressing: The key to that creamy, tangy layer under the cheese, making each bite so rich and flavorful.
- Parmesan cheese: Authentic and nutty, this cheese forms the backbone of that signature Parmesan crust.
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds an irresistible stretch and mild flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: A touch of sharpness and extra meltiness; it rounds out the cheese layer perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a vibrant, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken breasts—slice each one horizontally to make four even, thin cutlets. Lay them out and generously sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning forms the delicious base for every bite and ensures your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken will be far from bland.
Step 2: Sear the Cutlets
Heat that olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken and sear each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you want a light golden color, not a full cook-through. This step locks in juiciness and gives your chicken a flavorful crust, setting the stage for cheesy perfection.
Step 3: Layer on the Ranch
Arrange the seared chicken in a baking dish. Now comes the fun part—spoon about a tablespoon of creamy ranch dressing over each cutlet. The ranch will keep the chicken moist as it bakes and creates a tangy, irresistible layer under the cheese.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the grated Parmesan, shredded provolone or mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. This blend is the heart of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken and is what makes the top golden, gooey, and undeniably tasty. Be generous as you mound it onto each piece of chicken!
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy, Bubbly Goodness
Slide your baking dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes—just until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the cheesy topping is gloriously melted and bubbling. Trust me, the aroma alone is worth the anticipation.
Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Serve
If you like a pop of color and a little herbal lift, sprinkle the finished chicken with chopped fresh parsley. It adds a special touch to the final presentation!
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped parsley is classic and fresh, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try thin-sliced chives, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a light squeeze of lemon to balance the richness of your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken.
Side Dishes
This decadent, cheesy chicken just begs for simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery steamed green beans, and crisp garden salads all work beautifully. If you love a little crunch, try roasted asparagus or garlic bread to soak up the cheesy ranch drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into an event by serving each cutlet atop a small bed of arugula or spinach drizzled with Italian dressing. Or, place your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken over a mound of herbed rice or orzo for a restaurant-worthy look. Slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter for easy sharing at family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken tasting its best, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheese may get a bit firmer, but the flavors blend even more after a night’s rest. It’s perfect for next-day lunches!
Freezing
This dish actually freezes quite well. Place cooled chicken cutlets in a single layer (with parchment between if stacking) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese has melted back to its gooey glory—about 12 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven preserves the texture much better.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay super juicy and work wonderfully with this recipe. They may take a few minutes longer to cook, so be sure to check for doneness.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, try using Caesar or creamy Italian dressing for a similar creamy base with a slightly different flavor twist.
Can Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that your ranch dressing and cheese brands are gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the chicken will feel firm to the touch.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Sear and assemble the chicken with ranch and cheese earlier in the day, then cover and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven to bake when you’re ready to eat for a fresh Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken experience.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cozy, cheesy, comforting chicken dinner, you owe it to yourself to try Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss, and you’ll be coming back to this recipe any time you crave something truly mouthwatering. Happy cooking!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a savory blend of Parmesan and gooey cheeses, baked to perfection. A crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Topping:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until lightly golden.
- Prepare topping: Spread ranch dressing on each cutlet, top with a cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This copycat version pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a side salad.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or ranch dressing before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
