Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

Create a steakhouse-style Longhorn Parmesan Chicken that’s rich, cheesy, and crispy. Italian and ranch-marinated chicken is pan-seared to perfection before being covered with creamy provolone, parmesan, and ranch blend. A sprinkle of garlicky, buttery panko is broiled until golden, delivering creamy and crispy textures in one irresistible bite. It's an easy way to spoil yourself at home.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:36:41 GMT
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Pin it
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken | mecooking.com

A crispy, honey-gold coating bursting with rich Parmesan flavors wraps around juicy chicken breast in this fantastic Longhorn Steakhouse copycat dish. The mix of melty provolone and Parmesan creates an amazingly gooey layer that turns basic chicken into a fancy restaurant-style meal right from your own kitchen.

I stumbled upon this when I was trying to copy my top restaurant favorites at home. My family couldn't believe how the cheese mix made that exact same wonderful crust we enjoy at Longhorn, and now it's our favorite pick for when we want something special.

Inside Scoop On Ingredients

  • Italian Dressing: Adds tangy flavor while softening the chicken beautifully. Go for a premium brand for the tastiest marinade
  • Ranch Dressing: Brings richness and flavor complexity to both the soak and cheese mix. Stick with whole-fat for the smoothest results
  • Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts: Cook fast and evenly. Try to find pieces with matching thickness for best results
  • Provolone Cheese: Delivers a smooth, subtle taste that melts wonderfully. Ask for fresh cuts at the deli for better melting
  • Parmesan Cheese: Makes that famous crunchy top. Always go with freshly shredded for better taste and texture
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Give that must-have crunch. The Japanese style works way better than standard breadcrumbs
  • Garlic Powder: Adds gentle savory hints. Dried powder works better since fresh garlic might burn
  • Salted Butter: Holds the topping mixture together. Fancy European butter can make it even tastier

Crafting Your Showstopper Dish

First Steps:
Mix your Italian and ranch dressings in a big bowl. Drop chicken breasts fully into this mix. Let them soak up the flavors for 30 minutes minimum.
Making The Cheese Mix:
Combine your shredded provolone and Parmesan with a spoonful of ranch dressing. Warm it up slowly until it's all smooth and melty.
Building The Topping:
Stir Panko crumbs together with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and melted butter until all the crumbs get coated in buttery goodness.
Cooking Time:
Get your biggest oven-safe pan really hot. Add a bit of oil and gently place your soaked chicken in. Let it get a nice golden color.
Finishing Touches:
Spoon your cheese mix gently over each chicken piece. Sprinkle the Panko mix generously on top. Watch closely as it browns under the broiler.

When I was little, my grandma always told me that waiting patiently with the marinade was the real trick to amazing chicken. She was spot on - whenever I take the extra time for an overnight soak, the chicken turns out incredibly juicy and packed with flavor.

Savory Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pin it
Savory Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken | mecooking.com

Tasty Side Matches

Make this into a full dinner by adding some creamy garlic mashed potatoes, which are fantastic for soaking up all the yummy sauce. Some bright green steamed asparagus or crispy roasted Brussels sprouts will add nice color and balance out your plate.

Put Your Spin On It

Try some fun changes by switching up your cheeses - maybe some Gruyere for a fancy twist, or Mozzarella for an Italian feel. If you like things spicy, mix a little cayenne pepper into your Panko mixture.

Saving For Later

Put any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Warm them back up in a 350°F oven with some foil on top to keep the crunchy coating. Try not to use the microwave if you can help it, as it'll make the crust soggy.

Close-up Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Pin it
Close-up Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe | mecooking.com

After spending years getting this dish just right, I've learned that taking your time with every step makes all the difference. When you see that golden-brown top and cut into the moist chicken, you'll understand why so many homes across the country have fallen in love with this meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep Longhorn Parmesan Chicken early?
Yes, marinade the chicken overnight and get the cheese sauce and breadcrumbs ready. Combine everything and broil before eating for the best texture.
→ What sides go with Longhorn Parmesan Chicken?
It tastes great with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, sautéed asparagus, or a crisp salad.
→ How do I check if the chicken's done?
Place a meat thermometer in the thickest part, and make sure it reads 165°F.
→ Can regular breadcrumbs replace panko?
Sure, but panko gives you a lighter, crunchier texture that’s closer to the original.
→ Why mix Italian and ranch dressings?
The blend makes a super flavorful marinade, keeping the chicken juicy and adding tangy, herby goodness.

Parmesan Chicken Longhorn

Bring Longhorn Parmesan Chicken to your table—tender chicken loaded with rich cheese and perfectly crisp breadcrumbs.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 4 chicken breasts, thin cut
02 ⅓ cup ranch dressing
03 ½ cup Italian dressing
04 2 Tablespoons cooking oil

→ Parmesan Sauce

05 ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated fresh
06 4 oz provolone cheese, chopped or shredded
07 ⅓ cup ranch dressing

→ Crunchy Topping

08 ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
09 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
10 3 Tablespoons butter, melted and salted
11 1½ teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

Step 01

Mix ranch and Italian dressing in a large bowl until smooth. Toss in the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully covered. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or let it sit overnight if you're prepping early.

Step 02

Combine provolone, parmesan, and ranch dressing in a medium bowl. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave until it’s a melted, gooey consistency. Set it aside for later use.

Step 03

Stir together panko, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and melted butter until everything is evenly blended and buttery. Put it aside for later.

Step 04

Set your oven rack in the middle position, then preheat the broiler on low. Heat a large skillet over medium with a bit of oil. Shake off any extra marinade from the chicken, then cook each side for about 5 minutes under the broiler until it’s slightly golden.

Step 05

Spread the melted cheese mix and the prepared crumbs over each chicken piece. Broil again until the crumbs are golden brown and the chicken hits 165°F inside, which will take about 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Notes

  1. You can make Longhorn’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken from scratch in your own kitchen.
  2. Keep an eye on the broiler since things can toast faster than expected.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe skillet, large size
  • Mixing bowls for combining
  • Microwave for melting

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese)
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 830
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~