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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the dish I make whenever my family is craving comfort food that also tastes like a restaurant treat. The chicken comes out crispy and juicy, loaded with cheese and savory flavors. This version is easy and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible.
This is the recipe I bring to any potluck or family dinner when I want everyone asking for seconds. The cheese pull alone always makes my kids cheer.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: choose fresh boneless skinless for quick cooking and tenderness
- Bread crumbs: go for panko if you want extra crunch but regular works well
- Parmesan cheese: grate it fresh from a block for best flavor and melt
- Mozzarella cheese: provides gooey stretch and balances out the Parmesan
- All-purpose flour: helps each layer stick and adds structure
- Eggs: creates a sticky coating for breading and adds moisture
- Milk: makes the egg dip even creamier
- Garlic: use fresh cloves for a punch of savory flavor
- Italian seasoning: brings those restaurant-style herby notes to life
- Salt: seasons all the layers throughout
- Black pepper: adds just enough bite
- Olive oil: helps crisp the crust without deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Breading Layers:
- Set up three shallow dishes. In one dish combine bread crumbs Parmesan Italian seasoning salt and black pepper. In another beat eggs and milk until completely blended. In the third add the flour. This assembly line is key for the perfect crispy coating.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dredge first in the flour making sure to coat every surface. Dip each piece into the egg and milk mixture so all sides are wet. Then press into the breadcrumb mixture and coat thoroughly. Press breadcrumbs onto chicken for best coverage.
- Sear for Flavor:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot lay in the chicken gently. Cook for about three to four minutes per side. The chicken should get golden brown and crispy but not fully cooked through. Searing deepens the flavor and seals in juices.
- Add the Cheese Topping and Bake:
- Mix the remaining Parmesan with shredded mozzarella cheese and minced garlic. Place seared chicken breasts into a baking dish. Sprinkle cheese mixture thickly over the top of each piece. Bake at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty to twenty five minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbling.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the extra crispy bits of cheese that melt down the sides and get golden in the oven. My kids and I always race to scrape up the cheesiest corner pieces when we serve it.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. To reheat and keep the crust crisp place on a baking tray in a hot oven for about ten minutes instead of microwaving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella for provolone or even white cheddar for different cheese flavor. If you are out of Italian seasoning mix dried basil oregano and parsley in equal parts. Gluten free breadcrumbs can replace regular if needed.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this Parmesan chicken over spaghetti or buttered noodles for a classic dinner. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a big Caesar salad. Try tucking leftovers inside a sub roll with extra marinara for a hearty sandwich.
Cultural History
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian American dish created by families merging old world recipes with American ingredients. It became popular in restaurants for its satisfying crunch and big flavors making it a crowd pleaser all over the US.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, as they cook evenly and allow for crisp breading.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust?
Coating the chicken in flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally pressing into seasoned breadcrumbs helps ensure a crispy outer layer, especially after pan-searing before baking.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Yes, but mozzarella and Parmesan provide classic flavor and melt beautifully. You could try provolone or fontina for a twist.
- → Is it necessary to pan-fry the chicken before baking?
Pan-frying helps create a golden, crisp surface, adding texture and sealing in juices before finishing in the oven.
- → What sides pair well with this chicken?
This dish works well with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.