If you’re craving a flavorful, crispy, and downright irresistible chicken dish, then the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight go-to. This recipe combines the perfect blend of Italian breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy crust that locks in juicy, tender chicken breasts. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers comforting flavors with a touch of elegance that brightens up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients helps create the magic in this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy breadcrumb coating to the rich hint of cheese that makes every bite memorable.
- 4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and tender meat.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds a seasoned crunch and a flavorful base for the crust.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a savory, nutty aroma and melts into the crust for extra richness.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and ensures a crispy exterior.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue to hold the flour and breadcrumb layers tightly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses garlic flavor evenly without moisture affecting the coating texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the individual flavors and balances the seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a mild kick to round out the taste.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For pan-searing to create that gorgeous golden crust.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens up each serving.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking and prepare it for the chicken. This step sets the stage for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Create three separate bowls to streamline the dredging process. In the first bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that signature crust. The second bowl gets the flour, while the third holds the beaten egg. This setup is essential for building layers of crispy, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
One piece at a time, dredge the chicken breasts first in flour, coating evenly. Then, dip each breast into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off before pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture. This triple coating adds both taste and texture, sealing in juiciness while creating a crunchy shell.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful, golden brown. This browning step enhances flavor and gives the dish its beloved crispy exterior.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to your greased baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Baking ensures the chicken cooks through perfectly while keeping the breading intact and crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also gives each bite a fresh herbaceous lift that balances the rich, cheesy coating.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, bright green parsley or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese makes a delightful garnish. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the dish with a zesty contrast if you want a bit of citrus kick.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the dish’s rich flavors. For a heartier meal, garlic butter pasta or steamed green beans make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow at your next dinner? Place the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken on a wooden board alongside bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. Or slice the chicken and serve it atop a bed of pasta or arugula for a sophisticated twist that’s great for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the texture and flavors so you can enjoy the dish again without losing the crunchy coating.
Freezing
You can freeze Longhorn Parmesan Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain that perfect crust, pop the chicken into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy and the chicken dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly since they can be thicker or thinner than breasts.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the Italian breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a block melts better and has richer flavor than pre-grated powder. It really makes a difference in the crisp crust.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance before frying?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover it well to keep the coating moist and ready for frying and baking.
What should I do if the breading falls off during cooking?
Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and ensure each layer (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) is applied evenly. Cooking at the right temperature and flipping carefully will also help maintain the coating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade chicken with a cheesy, crunchy coating, and the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe delivers that satisfaction effortlessly. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite chicken dish too!
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Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, crispy chicken breast recipe featuring a golden Italian breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. The chicken is first coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, browned in olive oil on the stovetop, then finished in the oven for a juicy, tender interior. Garnished with fresh parsley, it makes a delicious family-friendly main dish ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, mix together the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, ensuring it is fully covered. Then dip into the beaten egg, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently on each piece so the coating adheres well.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step creates a crispy texture before baking.
- Bake: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
