Ranch Dressing: Creates tangy base for coating, select creamy, high-quality brands.
Mayonnaise: Binds ingredients and provides richness, use full-fat version for best results.
For Crunchy Coating:
Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy exterior, select Japanese-style for superior crunch.
Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds richness, use unsalted for better seasoning control.
Italian Seasoning: Reinforces herbal notes, choose blend with balanced herb mixture.
What You’ll Use For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Oven-Safe Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan that can transition from stovetop to oven.
Mixing Bowls: Small and medium sizes for preparing seasoning, cheese mixture, and panko topping.
Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
Measuring Cups: Needed for precise ingredient measurements.
Chef's Knife: For chopping fresh parsley as optional garnish.
Broiler-Safe Baking Dish: Optional alternative if no oven-safe skillet is available.
Cooking Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during searing.
Spatula: For spreading cheese mixture evenly on chicken.
How To Cook Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ignite the Flavor Preparation Preheat your oven to a toasty 400F and grab your trusty oven-safe skillet. This high heat will help create that mouthwatering golden crust everyone craves.
Chicken Transformation Massage olive oil and a zesty blend of spices all over the chicken breasts. These seasonings will infuse every delicious bite with incredible taste.
Sizzle and Brown Heat the skillet to medium-high and create a gorgeous golden exterior by searing the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. This technique locks in those incredible juices.
Oven Magic Transfer the skillet directly into the hot oven. Let the chicken bake for 15-20 minutes until it reaches perfect internal temperature.
Cheese Lover's Dream Whip together a creamy mixture of Parmesan, provolone, ranch, and mayonnaise. This magical sauce will transform your chicken into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
Crispy Crunch Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and extra Parmesan. This will create an irresistible golden topping that adds incredible texture.
Final Flourish Spread the cheesy mixture over the cooked chicken, sprinkle with panko crumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and gorgeous. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve with Excitement Plate your creation and garnish with fresh herbs. Pair with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that'll make everyone's taste buds dance.
Tips For Making Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Better
Perfect Chicken Prep: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
Cheese Melt Magic: Use freshly grated Parmesan and provolone for superior melting and a more complex, rich cheese flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Gluten-Free Hack: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining a delightful crunch.
Low-Carb Twist: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely and double the Parmesan cheese coating for a keto-friendly version that's just as delicious and satisfying as the original recipe.
Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the seasoning mix and cheese topping up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.
Ways To Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Side Dish Symphony: Complement the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a vibrant mixed green salad with zesty vinaigrette.
Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange the golden-brown chicken on a pristine white plate, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for color, and add a small ramekin of extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Wine and Dine Pairing: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy chicken and enhances the meal's savory flavors.
Weeknight Meal Hack: Prepare the chicken components in advance, store separately, and quickly assemble for a fast, delicious dinner that looks like it's from a high-end restaurant.
Storing And Planning Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Quick Refrigeration Guide: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining best flavor and safety standards.
Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in sealed freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy parmesan crust. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture and loss of crunchiness.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken components separately and store in different containers. Keep seasoned chicken, parmesan mixture, and panko topping refrigerated individually for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen. Crispy exterior and juicy interior combine with rich parmesan coating for a memorable dining experience.
½ cup (60 g) provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup (60 g) ranch dressing
¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsps butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp italian seasoning (for cheese mixture)
1 tsp italian seasoning (for coating)
1 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Seasoning Preparation: Craft a zesty spice blend by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
Chicken Preparation: Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, then meticulously enrobe them in the crafted seasoning blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Searing Stage: Ignite a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, strategically searing chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust emerges.
Initial Roasting: Position the skillet in a 400F (200C) oven’s center rack, roasting for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165F (74C).
Cheese Fusion: Whisk Parmesan, provolone, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and garlic powder into a velvety, harmonious cream sauce.
Crispy Topping Creation: Blend panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, additional Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until uniformly coated and lustrous.
Final Assembly: Lavish the cheese mixture over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the panko topping for a textural crown.
Broiling Finale: Switch oven to broil, returning the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden, crisp masterpiece.
Presentation: Rest the chicken momentarily, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside complementary sides like mashed potatoes or a vibrant salad.
Notes
Select High-Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, uniform-sized chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
Control Searing Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat when searing to develop a golden-brown crust without burning the chicken’s exterior.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking.
Prevent Cheese Burning: Watch carefully during broiling to achieve golden-brown topping without scorching the cheese mixture.
Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.
Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY
Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.
Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.
Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.
Olivia Bennett
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY
Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.
Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.