If you’re craving that signature cheesy, crispy, and juicy flavor of the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken, there’s good news — you don’t have to leave your house to enjoy it. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen with a surprisingly simple process and ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want to elevate your weeknight meal game, this homemade version hits all the right notes.

What sets this dish apart is its creamy Parmesan layer melted over seared chicken, topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb finish. The fusion of textures and flavors delivers restaurant-level satisfaction. It’s also a favorite among families and picky eaters alike. Even better? This recipe is easy to modify for different dietary needs.

Using high-quality ingredients like Parmesan cheese and olive oil boosts both flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking to expand your home cooking skills or just want to recreate a classic, this guide will walk you through every step of making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken from scratch. For fans of comfort food or cheesy chicken dinners, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to making this crave-worthy classic — no reservations needed.

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What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of the chain’s most beloved menu items — a true comfort dish that balances bold flavor with rich texture. At its core, it’s a seared chicken breast layered with a creamy Parmesan and Provolone cheese topping, then finished with a crispy panko crust. The result? A golden, bubbling masterpiece that combines crunch, creaminess, and juicy chicken in each bite.

What makes this dish stand out is its three-layer approach:

• A well-seasoned, seared chicken breast
• A gooey blend of Parmesan, Provolone, mayonnaise, and herbs
• A crunchy panko breadcrumb topping toasted to perfection

The origins of this dish are rooted in classic American casual dining, but its flavor profile borrows from Italian-American cuisine thanks to the use of garlic, Italian seasoning, and sharp cheeses like Provolone. It’s the perfect example of how a chain restaurant can turn simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.

If you’re a fan of other cheesy chicken recipes, you might have noticed versions of this dish trending on recipe blogs and cooking boards like Pinterest’s Parmesan Chicken Ideas. What started as a sit-down menu favorite has now taken on a life of its own as one of the top copycat recipes people want to recreate at home.

Not only does it satisfy comfort food cravings, but it also feels a little indulgent — without requiring hours in the kitchen or specialty ingredients. Whether you’re replicating it for a special occasion or just your next meal prep, this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

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Essential Ingredients and Why They Work

Recreating Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken starts with understanding the ingredients that make it so crave-worthy. Every layer of this dish brings flavor and texture — from the juicy chicken base to the rich cheese blend and the crunchy breadcrumb topping. Let’s break down each component and explore why it works so well.

🐔 The Chicken

At the heart of this recipe is a boneless, skinless chicken breast — lean, tender, and versatile. This cut is ideal for quick searing and even baking. When seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, it builds a flavorful base that complements the rich toppings without overpowering them.

For best results:

• Use evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure consistent cooking.
• Lightly pound or butterfly the breasts for even thickness.

According to Wikipedia’s article on chicken as food, chicken breast is one of the most consumed and versatile protein sources globally, especially in American home cooking.

🧀 The Parmesan Layer

The cheesy crust is the star of this dish — a savory mixture of:

• Parmesan cheese – adds sharp, nutty flavor. Freshly grated is best.
• Provolone cheese – melts smoothly and adds creaminess.
• Mayonnaise – helps bind the mixture and keeps it moist.
• Butter – enriches flavor and enhances browning.
• Garlic powder + Italian seasoning – layers in herbaceous notes.

Both Parmesan and Provolone cheeses play crucial roles. Parmesan brings that unmistakable bite, while Provolone offers stretch and melt. Their combo makes the topping creamy and rich with just enough pull when sliced.

For those looking to swap ingredients:

• Mozzarella can replace Provolone for a milder option.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayo for a tangy twist.

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Essential Ingredients and Why They Work

🥖 The Crispy Topping

The final layer is what gives this dish its satisfying crunch — a golden topping made from panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Panko is lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier texture that holds up well during baking. According to Wikipedia’s breadcrumb entry, panko originated in Japanese cuisine but is now a staple in Western cooking due to its superior crunch.

Why this topping works:

• Panko doesn’t absorb as much oil, which keeps it crispy.
• Butter enhances browning and adds richness.
• It contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese layer beneath it.

For alternative crunchy toppings, you can use:

• Crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs

You’ll find endless variations on Pinterest’s cheesy chicken dinner boards that experiment with texture, cheese types, and spices — making this recipe highly customizable without losing its comfort food core.

🧂 Supporting Seasonings

While the star ingredients do the heavy lifting, it’s the seasoning that rounds out the flavor profile:

• Garlic powder – adds warmth and depth without overpowering
• Italian seasoning – a balanced blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that gives a subtle herbaceous aroma
  • Learn more in this herb and seasoning overview
• Paprika – enhances color and adds a hint of sweetness
• Salt and pepper – essential for balance and boldness

The mix of herbs and spices ensures that each bite is layered with flavor — not just creamy and crunchy, but also savory and aromatic.

🛒 Ingredient Quality Matters

Whenever possible, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality olive oil. These small upgrades deliver noticeable improvements in taste. If you’re prepping for guests or a special dinner, don’t skimp on cheese quality — your taste buds will thank you.

For inspiration and prep ideas, check out Pinterest’s easy copycat recipes to see how others have adapted this dish for everything from holiday dinners to quick weekday meals.

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Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To recreate the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken with perfect texture and flavor, having the right kitchen tools is just as important as the ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cast iron skillet or large sauté pan – for searing the chicken evenly and getting a golden crust
• Oven-safe baking dish – to transfer seared chicken into the oven
• Mixing bowls – one for the cheese mixture, another for the breadcrumb topping
• Meat thermometer – ensures chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F
• Tongs or spatula – to flip the chicken without tearing the seared crust
• Small whisk or fork – for mixing the creamy topping evenly

For added convenience, consider prepping the cheese topping ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time during dinner prep.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Prepping the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure good sear
• Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
• Optional: lightly pound the chicken for even thickness

🍳 Searing for Flavor

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown
• Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish — this creates the base for layering

🧀 Mixing the Parmesan Crust

In a bowl, combine:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Provolone cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (learn more about Italian seasoning herbs)

Whisk until smooth and well blended. You can also make this up to a day ahead and refrigerate.

🧱 Assembling the Layers

• Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over each seared chicken breast
• Make sure to coat the top evenly to cover the surface

🥖 Adding the Crispy Topping

• In a clean bowl, combine ½ cup panko with 2 tbsp melted butter
• Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the cheese layer for maximum crunch

🔥 Baking to Perfection

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the internal temp hits 165°F and the topping is golden brown
• Optional: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Every Time

• Don’t skip the sear – It locks in moisture and adds flavor
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and deeper flavor
• If the crust browns too fast, loosely cover with foil mid-bake
• Let it rest before slicing to maintain juiciness

Bonus: Try brushing a little olive oil over the top before baking for added crisp.

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Variations and Customizations

This dish is super versatile! You can easily tweak it based on preferences or dietary needs:

• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño under the cheese
• Keto-friendly: Swap panko with crushed pork rinds
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal
• Extra indulgent: Add bacon crumbles or sun-dried tomatoes under the cheese
• Low-fat option: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo

For more fun ideas, check out these Pinterest boards on Parmesan chicken to explore other creative spins.

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What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Wondering what sides to pair with this cheesy, crispy chicken masterpiece? Here are some great go-to options:

• Garlic mashed potatoes – the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crunchy chicken
• Steamed green beans or broccoli – adds a fresh, healthy balance
• Caesar salad – a zesty and refreshing counterpart to the rich flavors
• Roasted asparagus – for a light, crisp veggie side

Optional sauces:

• Ranch dressing or creamy garlic aioli
• Balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy contrast

Want more dinner inspiration? Explore cheesy chicken dinner ideas on Pinterest to mix and match your perfect meal.

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Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay delicious:

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes

Freezer:

• Wrap chicken breasts individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month
• Thaw overnight before reheating

Pro Tip: Reheat uncovered in the oven or air fryer to keep the topping crispy.

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How Does It Compare to the Real Thing?

Many fans say this copycat recipe rivals the original. The homemade version can be even better because:

• You can use higher quality ingredients
• It’s customizable to taste
• You control sodium and portion size

If you’ve ever ordered the dish at Longhorn, you’ll find this version hits all the same comforting notes — and may even become your go-to for special dinners.

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FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken made of?
It includes seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy mixture of Parmesan, Provolone, mayonnaise, and butter, finished with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture and even sear the chicken in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before baking.

What type of cheese is best for crusted chicken?
Parmesan and Provolone are ideal for flavor and texture. You can also try Mozzarella or Swiss for different taste profiles.

Is there a low-fat version of this?
Absolutely. Use low-fat cheese and substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light sour cream.

How long should I bake chicken breasts at 400°F?
Bake for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crisp, broil during the last 2 minutes.

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