How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at Home – Easy Copycat Recipe 2025
Are you craving the irresistible flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Chicken but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe captures the perfect combination of juicy chicken, a crispy Parmesan crust, and melted cheesy goodness topped with a luscious garlic cream sauce — all without stepping foot outside your home.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, impressing guests, or just looking for a comforting meal packed with flavor, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste and texture with simple ingredients and easy steps. From selecting the right chicken cut to creating the ideal crust and pairing it with mouthwatering sides, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Let’s dive into making this memorable dish!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Parmesan Chicken
Longhorn’s Parmesan Chicken is beloved for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, encased in a golden, crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. Then, it’s topped with a heavenly blend of melted cheeses that create a gooey, savory finish.
What makes this recipe stand out?
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and Italian seasoning offers deep, savory notes with a hint of herbs.
- Perfect Texture: The crispy crust seals in moisture, ensuring every bite is tender yet crunchy.
- Easy Ingredients: No need for hard-to-find items; most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to source.
- Quick Preparation: From prep to plate in under an hour — perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences with substitutions and variations.
- Restaurant-Style Experience at Home: Skip the wait and expense of dining out without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor and Texture
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate why this recipe tastes so incredible and lets you customize it confidently.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Parmesan Cheese: The key to the crispy crust. Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns beautifully, providing a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular ones, perfect for creating a golden crust.
- Mozzarella and Provolone Cheeses: These melt smoothly, adding creamy, cheesy richness. Provolone adds a slight smoky note, while mozzarella offers a mild, gooey texture.
- Mayonnaise: Yes, mayonnaise! It helps bind the crust ingredients and adds moisture for a golden finish.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds a savory foundation.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary) that complements the cheeses perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: How to Make Perfect Parmesan Chicken at Home
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the crust stick better.
Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. This locks in moisture and adds flavor.
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Mix until you get a coarse paste that will easily spread over the chicken.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Spread the Parmesan crust evenly over each chicken breast. Then sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded provolone evenly on top.
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
Place the baking dish under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely. Broil until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye during broiling as cheese can burn quickly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot chicken for color and a fresh herbal note.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe Your Signature Dish
- Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken: Uniform thickness guarantees even cooking and avoids dry or undercooked parts.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting and browning.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust.
- Adjust Broiling Time Based on Your Oven: Broilers vary widely — start checking at 2 minutes.
- Try Chicken Thighs: For more juiciness and flavor, substitute boneless skinless thighs but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and crust mixture a few hours before cooking. Store separately and assemble just before broiling.
- Add Garlic Butter Sauce: Drizzle a simple garlic butter sauce over the finished chicken for extra richness.
Cheese Substitutions and Variations
Not a fan of provolone or can’t find it? No problem. Here are some cheese swaps that maintain flavor and texture:
- Fontina: Smooth melts with a mild nutty flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Mild and melts well.
- Cheddar: Adds sharper flavor but be cautious as it browns faster.
- Vegan Cheese: Use plant-based mozzarella-style cheese for dairy-free options.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free
Simply swap regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Double-check your cheeses and mayonnaise labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken
To complete your meal, pair this cheesy chicken with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes complement the rich chicken perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs add color and crunch.
- Steamed Green Beans: For a lighter, fresher side.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance richness.
- Crusty Bread: To soak up any leftover sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs well with the cheesy, savory flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to preserve crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
- This recipe freezes well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
Note: Values vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs offer more fat and flavor but adjust cooking time and check doneness.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Broil just before serving and avoid covering the chicken while hot to prevent steam buildup.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute cheeses with dairy-free versions and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for keto?
A: Yes, by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Crust not crispy: Make sure chicken is dry before applying crust and broil uncovered.
- Chicken dry or tough: Don’t overcook; pound to even thickness and sear properly.
- Cheese not melting: Use freshly shredded cheeses rather than pre-packaged slices or pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
Final Thoughts: Make This Parmesan Chicken Your Go-To Dinner
With this easy yet elegant Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal anytime. The layers of crispy Parmesan crust, melted cheeses, and juicy chicken breast create an unforgettable combination that everyone will love.
Experiment with side dishes, seasonings, and cheese blends to truly make it your own. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of crispy, cheesy chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbeatable dish!
Printable Recipe Card
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Pound chicken to ½ inch thickness, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in skillet; sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to baking dish.
- Mix Parmesan, panko, mayo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until coarse paste forms.
- Spread mixture over chicken, top with mozzarella and provolone.
- Broil 2-4 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley; serve immediately.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Serves 4
