This cozy longhorn parmesan chicken recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen. Crispy breaded chicken, melty cheese, simple ingredients, and warm family-friendly cooking. Learn how to make it perfectly with tips, variations, FAQs, and an easy step-by-step guide.
There’s something comforting about a warm plate of cheesy chicken, isn’t there? Every time I make longhorn parmesan chicken, it fills my Florida kitchen with those familiar aromas that make my kids wander in and ask, “Is dinner almost ready?” If you enjoy cozy chicken dinners, you might also love my classic chicken parmesan recipe that’s just as comforting.
I love dishes like this because they’re simple, satisfying, and feel just a little bit special without being fussy. As a home cook and a mom of three, I’ve learned that the best meals don’t need complicated steps. They just need good ingredients and a little love.
This recipe gives you that restaurant-style flavor you’re craving, but in a way that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you enjoy a recipe that lets you chat, sip something cold, and have dinner on the table without rushing.
So let’s make something delicious together. Ready to cook with me?
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Before we start, let’s talk about the essentials. These are the main ingredients that give longhorn parmesan chicken its perfect balance of crispiness, tenderness, and cheesy richness. I like to keep things simple, but still full of flavor.
- Chicken breasts
Boneless and skinless. They cook evenly and stay tender when properly breaded. - All-purpose flour
Helps the coating cling. Think of it as the foundation that keeps everything in place. - Eggs and milk
This mixture gives the breadcrumbs something to hold on to. - Bread crumbs
Regular or panko both work. Panko gives extra crunch if you want it. - Parmesan cheese
I love using freshly grated Parmesan because it tastes richer. - Mozzarella cheese
Adds that stretchy, melty topping that feels so comforting. - Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
These keep everything balanced and flavorful. - Olive oil
A bit in the skillet helps the chicken turn beautifully golden.
With these ingredients on the counter, you’re already halfway to a cozy dinner that pairs well with simple sides like my egg fried rice for a complete meal.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are a few extras that can elevate this dish. You don’t need all of them, but having options makes cooking more fun.
- Fresh garlic
Adds a deeper, aromatic punch. - Fresh herbs
Basil, parsley, or thyme brighten the dish. - Lemon zest
Makes the chicken feel lighter and fresher. - Red pepper flakes
Great if you like a little heat. - Panko mixed with Ritz crackers
Gives a buttery crunch that’s hard to resist.
You can also try a simpler, creamy recipe like chicken with mayo and parmesan cheese if you’re in the mood for something even easier or want a no-fry option that still tastes delicious.
Expert Tips for Perfect Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Even the simplest recipes have tricks that make them shine. Over the years, I’ve collected a few reliable tips that help this longhorn parmesan chicken turn out perfectly every time.
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This keeps them from drying out on one side while staying undercooked on the other.
Don’t skip the flour-egg-breadcrumb sequence. I know it seems like an extra step, but it actually helps the coating stay on the chicken instead of falling into the skillet.
When you brown the chicken, give each piece space in the pan. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Mix half the Parmesan into the breadcrumbs and save the rest for the topping. You’ll get a double layer of flavor that makes every bite tastier.
To help the cheese melt evenly, cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover it so it can brown nicely without burning.
Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside and the coating intact.
And remember, cooking should feel fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment. For nights when you want the same flavor with less effort, try my cozy dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole. It gives you all the cheesy comfort with much less hands-on time.
Small techniques make big differences, friend. And I promise, these tips will make your chicken unforgettable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking. - Step 2
Set up three shallow bowls. Flour goes in the first. Eggs and milk in the second. Breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in the third. - Step 3
Coat each chicken breast in the flour. Dip it into the egg mixture. Press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every side is covered. - Step 4
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown each chicken breast for 3 to 4 minutes per side. - Step 5
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Mix the remaining Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic in a bowl. - Step 6
Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the chicken. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F. - Step 7
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It gives the cheese time to settle.
Additional Guide: Creative Ways to Use Your Sauce
Here are a few fun twists to make this recipe your own. Swap mozzarella for provolone if you want a richer, sharper flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a smoky note.
For a lighter take, bake the breaded chicken instead of pan-searing. It won’t get quite as crispy, but it stays tender. Place it on a wire rack to help keep the bottom from getting soggy.
Want something gluten-free? Use almond flour and gluten-free crumbs. It creates a nutty, delicious coating.
If you’re in a rush, try cooking the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. It gets crispy quickly with almost no oil.
Cooking should be flexible and fun. Don’t be afraid to try new twists.
FAQs About Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Does LongHorn have a Parmesan crust?
Yes, LongHorn Steakhouse is well known for its signature Parmesan crust. It’s a blend of Parmesan, butter, and seasonings that creates a rich, golden topping. In my longhorn parmesan chicken recipe, we recreate that same irresistible crust using a mix of Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and Italian seasoning. It gives you that restaurant-style finish right at home, without any complicated steps.
How do you cook copycat LongHorn Parmesan fried chicken?
To make copycat LongHorn Parmesan fried chicken, you simply dredge the chicken in flour, dip it in an egg-and-milk mixture, then coat it with seasoned breadcrumbs. From there, pan-fry it in a little olive oil until golden on both sides. After that, top it with a cheesy Parmesan mix and bake until the chicken is juicy and the crust melts into a gorgeous, bubbly layer. It’s easier than it sounds and tastes like something straight off the LongHorn menu.
Conclusion
Cooking meals like this longhorn parmesan chicken reminds me why I love being in the kitchen. It’s simple, cozy, and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Recipes like this aren’t just about food. They’re about connection and little moments that become treasured memories.
As a mom of three and someone who loves feeding family and friends, I’ve learned that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need care, warmth, and a bit of joy. If comfort food brings you happiness, you’ll also enjoy the heartwarming flavors in my chicken and dumplings.
Whether you’re cooking for your kids, your partner, or just yourself, I hope this recipe brings a little comfort to your day. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. What did you love? What did you tweak?
Let’s keep sharing delicious moments together.
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs and milk in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with half the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Mix remaining Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic; sprinkle over the chicken.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.