Description
This easy 30-minute Parmesan Crusted Chicken Longhorn copycat recipe delivers juicy chicken with a double-layered crispy, cheesy crust—just like the restaurant favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, it uses simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to even thickness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and set a rack on top (optional).
- In a shallow bowl, mix together panko, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Press gently to help the crust stick.
- If using a skillet, add a drizzle of oil and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. (Not cooking through.) If baking only, skip this step.
- Transfer chicken to prepared baking sheet or leave in skillet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For thinner chicken, check at 10 minutes.
- While chicken bakes, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing, shredded provolone, and shredded Parmesan in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Remove chicken from oven. Spoon a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture on each piece. Set oven to broil (high) and return chicken for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden-brown. Watch closely.
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra crispiness, bake chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. Don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer for juicy results. You can bread the chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate. For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs; for dairy-free, use vegan cheese and mayo. Leftovers reheat best in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 42
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, Longhorn copycat, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, cheesy chicken, weeknight dinner, restaurant copycat, panko chicken, oven baked chicken, family dinner