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Oh, let me tell you about a truly irresistible dish that has become a favorite in my kitchen: the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. This delightful meal brings together tender, marinated chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy crust that melts beautifully in your mouth. The combination of savory Parmesan and Provolone cheeses atop perfectly seared chicken makes every bite a celebration of flavors and textures. If you’re craving something both comforting and elegant, this recipe delivers effortlessly and always impresses at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together in a way that’s both flavorful and approachable. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s enhancing juiciness, adding cheesy depth, or delivering a crisp texture that makes this dish stand out.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these provide a tender and juicy base for the flavorful crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a perfect golden-brown crust.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone to the marinade.
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Creates a creamy tang that complements the herbs and cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Offers savory depth and a slight hint of umami.
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar: Balances richness with a touch of acidity.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with fresh citrus notes.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Packs in aromatic sharpness, elevating every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Provides just enough subtle heat for complexity.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits: Delivers a salty, nutty profile and essential crunch in the crust.
- 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits: Offers a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that blends beautifully.
- 6 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch dressing (or regular Ranch): Keeps the cheese mixture smooth and tangy.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Infuses the breadcrumb topping with richness and a perfect golden color.
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides that coveted crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a boost of garlic flavor throughout the crust.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and pepper until everything is well combined. Place your chicken breasts in a freezer bag and gently pound them to about half an inch thick using a meat tenderizer. Then lightly season both sides with salt and pepper for a simple yet effective flavor boost. Add the marinade into a fresh freezer bag with the chicken, seal tightly, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer taste, let it marinate overnight—this step infuses the chicken with bold savory notes you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat—cast iron is perfect here for a beautiful sear. Place the chicken breasts carefully in the skillet and cook them without moving for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they have a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. That sear locks in juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast for what’s coming next. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a clean skillet or baking sheet and tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
Preheat your oven’s broiler to about 450°F for a precise, golden finish. In a bowl, mix together Parmesan, Provolone, and Buttermilk Ranch dressing. Microwave this mixture in short 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until the cheese is mostly melted but still slightly lumpy—it’s this texture that builds the perfect flavorful base. Spread the cheese blend evenly over each seared chicken breast to create a luscious layer ready for the crunchy topping.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping and Broil
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Generously spoon this mixture atop the cheese layer on each chicken breast. Now slide the chicken under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until your crust achieves that irresistible golden-brown color and crispiness. Keep a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn, but trust me—this finishing step takes the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve the chicken immediately while the cheese is melty and the crust is perfectly crisp. You’re in for a treat with this dish’s satisfying combination of creamy, crunchy, and tender flavors all in one bite.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, golden crust. A lemon wedge on the side can also bring a lovely zesty burst that enhances the bright notes in the marinade.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the cheesy crust’s luscious juices perfectly. Steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad also make excellent choices, providing freshness and a satisfying crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve the breasts whole atop a bed of garlic butter pasta for a restaurant-quality presentation at home that will absolutely wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness even on busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped or in a sealed container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to preserve that crispy crust and avoid drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use Italian salad dressing instead of making the marinade?
Absolutely! Using Italian salad dressing is a quick and easy shortcut that still provides the right tangy flavor profile reminiscent of the homemade marinade in this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs work fine—but panko is preferred for its light, airy texture that crisps up beautifully under the broiler.
Can I prepare this recipe without broiling?
The broiler is what gives the crust that perfect golden crispiness. While you can bake it at a high temperature instead, broiling just takes the dish to another level quickly and efficiently.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe, as written, contains panko breadcrumbs which are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make the chicken more tender?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and marinating them overnight really helps break down fibers and infuse moisture, resulting in a tender, juicy outcome every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines rich, cheesy flavors with crispy, golden textures, the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe should be your go-to. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unbeatable combination—you’ll be creating cherished dinner memories in no time!
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Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, then seared to perfection and topped with a rich, cheesy Parmesan and Provolone crust. Finished under the broiler for a crispy golden topping, this dish combines crispy textures with juicy, well-seasoned chicken, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Marinade (or use Italian Salad Dressing as a shortcut)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Parmesan Crust
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits
- 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits
- 6 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch dressing (or regular Ranch)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Pound the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts in a freezer bag and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness using a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Marinate: Add the chicken and marinade to a new freezer bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Heat the Skillet: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a skillet (preferably cast iron) and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean skillet or baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to retain heat.
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to low broil at 450°F to prepare for crisping the cheese crust.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and Ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the cheese mixture is mostly melted with some lumps remaining.
- Apply Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the warm cheese mixture over the top of each seared chicken breast.
- Make the Crust Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs, then spoon this mixture on top of the cheese layer on each chicken breast for added crunch.
- Broil the Chicken: Place the topped chicken under the preheated broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until the crust turns golden brown and crispy without burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, ideally paired with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- A cast iron skillet is recommended for searing to achieve a better crust on the chicken.
- If you prefer a shortcut, substitute the marinade with your favorite Italian salad dressing.
- Watch the broiler closely during the final step to prevent burning the crust.
- Leftover crust mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and used as a topping for other dishes.
