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This homemade parmesan chicken brings together the crispy comfort of restaurant chicken and the cozy satisfaction of your own kitchen. Inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse, it features juicy breaded chicken loaded with bubbling cheese in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or when you just need that savory, cheesy hit without leaving home.
The first time I made this for my parents they could not believe it was not takeout. It now makes a regular appearance at our Sunday dinners especially when we crave warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: choose even size for uniform cooking and juiciness
- Bread crumbs: use panko for extra crunch or Italian-style for added flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese: selects a wedge and grate fresh for the deepest flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: look for low-moisture mozzarella to avoid sogginess
- All-purpose flour: ensures chicken gets the crispiest coat
- Large eggs: bind the coating so the crust sticks beautifully
- Milk: a splash thins the eggs for smoother dipping
- Garlic: adds rich savory depth and fresh cloves make a real difference
- Italian seasoning: brings classic herby aroma and flavor
- Salt: enhances every layer of taste
- Black pepper: gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning
- Olive oil: coats the pan for crisping the chicken nicely
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Coating Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes. In one combine bread crumbs half of the Parmesan Italian seasoning salt and pepper. In the second dish whisk eggs with milk until fully blended. Fill the third dish with flour for the first dusting. Lining up your dishes keeps things tidy and speeds up the process.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel for best adhesion. Dredge each breast first in the flour to coat lightly shaking off any extra. Next dip completely in the egg mixture making sure both sides are wet. Finally press into the breadcrumb mixture patting gently so a thick even crust forms.
- Brown for Crunch:
- In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side. Do not rush this step let them get a deep golden crust that locks in moisture. Transfer browned chicken to a baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Cheesy Topping:
- Stir together the remaining Parmesan mozzarella and minced garlic in a small bowl. Generously mound this cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast. This step builds that signature cheesy melt you want in every bite.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and browned and the chicken is cooked through with juices running clear. Let rest a few minutes before serving so the crust stays crisp and the cheese sets.
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I absolutely love real Parmesan here its nutty salinity is in every bite. This dish always gets my family around the table chatting catching up and stealing forks full of melting cheese.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before moving to an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to three days. To reheat set the oven to 350°F and warm on a tray uncovered for about 15 minutes. This keeps the breading crispy instead of soggy which happens in the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella for provolone if you want a smokier melt. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour work well with hardly any change in texture. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a bright finish right before serving.
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Serving Suggestions
This parmesan chicken shines next to buttered spaghetti or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch serve with a crisp arugula salad and tangy vinaigrette. It is also delicious tucked into toasted rolls for an irresistible sandwich.
Cultural and Historical Context
Parmesan chicken or chicken parmesan has roots in Italian-American kitchens blending Old World technique with New World convenience. The use of melty cheese and breadcrumbs was the hallmark of family-run restaurants from New York to Chicago by the 1940s. Now it is a home cooking icon full of comfort and nostalgia.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the breading crispy?
Use a combination of pan-searing and oven baking, and make sure the chicken is well coated and not overcrowded in the pan.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, you can use provolone or cheddar for mozzarella or try asiago alongside parmesan for a richer flavor.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain a crisp coating and prevent sogginess.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Prepare and bread the chicken ahead, store covered in the fridge, then bake and top with cheese just before serving.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Pasta, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad complement the rich, cheesy flavors well.