Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step

Part 1: Introduction

If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful chicken dishes, you’ve likely heard of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This popular dish has won over countless taste buds at Longhorn Steakhouse, and for a good reason. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy parmesan crust, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite. But what makes this dish so special? And more importantly, how can you recreate it at home?

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, from its origins and popularity to a step-by-step guide on how to make it. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or satisfy a craving, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!

What is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

At its core, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a chicken breast that’s coated in a savory parmesan cheese crust. The chicken is seasoned and then baked or pan-seared, giving it that crispy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside. The dish is typically served with a side of vegetables or potatoes, making it a well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion.

What sets this dish apart from other chicken recipes is the combination of parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs, which gives the chicken its irresistible crunch. The cheese provides a sharp, savory flavor that complements the mildness of the chicken perfectly. If you’re familiar with Longhorn Steakhouse, you know this dish is a signature item, loved for its simplicity and bold flavors.

Why is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken So Popular?

So, why is this particular dish such a hit at Longhorn Steakhouse? Well, for starters, the parmesan crust brings a delightful balance of crispy and savory that people crave. It’s one of those dishes that satisfies both texture and flavor in a way that’s not too heavy but still filling. The parmesan cheese delivers a unique richness, while the seasoned breadcrumbs offer just the right amount of crunch.

But beyond the taste, it’s also the versatility that adds to its appeal. You can pair Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a variety of sides, from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. Plus, the dish is visually appealing, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.

What makes it even better? It’s a dish that’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home! With the right ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy this restaurant-style chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Part 2: Ingredients and Preparation of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you’ve been drooling over the idea of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, then it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. The good news? You don’t need a lot of fancy items to bring this dish to life. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a meal that tastes like it came straight from the steakhouse.

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need to make your own Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You probably already have many of these in your kitchen, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.

Chicken breasts – Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. They’re lean, tender, and easy to work with.
Parmesan cheese – The star of the dish! Make sure to use fresh, grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Avoid the pre-packaged stuff, as it doesn’t have the same rich taste.
Breadcrumbs – You’ll need breadcrumbs to help form that crispy crust. Use plain breadcrumbs, or for a more textured crust, you can go with panko breadcrumbs.
Garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor to the crust and a nice savory kick.
Onion powder – A subtle but important addition that enhances the overall taste.
Dried oregano – Brings in a Mediterranean flavor that pairs wonderfully with the parmesan.
Olive oil – A little bit of oil to help crisp up the crust when pan-frying.
Eggs – Used to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Salt and pepper – Season to taste, but don’t skip these staples. They’re crucial for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and crust.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a crispy parmesan crust that’s golden-brown and absolutely delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making your own Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s easier than you might think, and once you master it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Prepare the Chicken
First, take your chicken breasts and give them a gentle pound with a meat mallet to even out the thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. This is your breading mixture.
Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Repeat for each chicken breast.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Finish in the Oven (Optional)
If you prefer a slightly more tender finish, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake the chicken for an additional 10-12 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Parmesan Crusted Chicken is cooked to perfection, serve it with your favorite sides. From mashed potatoes to a crisp salad, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

Tips for the Best Parmesan Crust on Chicken

To ensure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out crispy and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

Use fresh parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan often lacks the flavor and texture needed for the perfect crust. Freshly grated cheese makes a big difference in taste.
Don’t skip the egg wash: The egg wash is crucial for helping the breadcrumbs stick. Without it, the crust might fall off during cooking.
Cook at the right temperature: If the heat is too low, the chicken will cook too slowly and the crust may become soggy. If the heat is too high, the crust may burn before the chicken cooks through.
Add a bit of butter for flavor: For an extra touch of richness, you can add a small pat of butter to the skillet while cooking the chicken. It’ll give the crust a beautiful, golden finish.

With these simple tips, you’re sure to create a crispy and savory Parmesan crust that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Now, with everything set, you’re ready to serve up a fantastic dish that could rival Longhorn Steakhouse’s own.

Part 3: Nutritional Information and Health Benefits of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Whether you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake or simply curious about the nutritional content, it’s always helpful to know what’s going into your meal. Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is undeniably delicious, but how does it fit into your daily diet? Let’s break down the nutritional information and explore the health benefits of this savory dish.

Nutritional Breakdown of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

When you sit down to enjoy Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’re indulging in a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content you can expect from a standard serving of this dish:

Calories: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion size and how it’s prepared.
Protein: A great source of lean protein, with each chicken breast providing approximately 40-45 grams of protein.
Fat: A typical serving contains about 25 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and the parmesan cheese.
Carbohydrates: With the breadcrumbs in the crust, you can expect about 15-20 grams of carbs per serving, which can vary based on the type of breadcrumbs used.
Fiber: Depending on the type of breadcrumbs, the fiber content will be minimal, but using whole wheat breadcrumbs can increase the fiber intake slightly.
Sodium: Since parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs can be salty, the sodium content can range between 800-1000 mg per serving, so be mindful if you are on a low-sodium diet.

These numbers are based on a single serving of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, but the final nutritional value can vary depending on portion size, sides, and how much oil or butter is used in cooking. While this dish can be slightly high in fat due to the parmesan cheese and frying, it’s still a well-rounded meal, rich in protein and flavor.

Is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Healthy?

While Parmesan Crusted Chicken is certainly not the lightest dish on the menu, it does offer some health benefits, especially when compared to other fried or breaded chicken recipes. Here’s why it can be a reasonably healthy choice:

High in Protein: Each serving is packed with lean protein from the chicken, which is crucial for muscle building, repair, and overall bodily functions. If you’re looking to stay full for longer or maintain a balanced diet, this dish is a solid protein source.
Rich in Nutrients: Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also provides calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, which are important for bone health, eye health, and immune function.
Low in Sugars: Unlike many other dishes that rely on sugary sauces or marinades, Parmesan Crusted Chicken doesn’t contain any added sugars, making it a great option for those looking to avoid excess sugar in their diet.
Customizable for Healthier Versions: If you’re trying to make the dish a bit lighter or fit specific dietary needs, there are ways to tweak the recipe. For example, you can opt for a lighter coating using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs or bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce fat content.

Customizing the Dish for Different Diets

One of the best things about Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to meet your dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are a few ways to make this dish fit into various diets:

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, consider substituting traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or parmesan crisps. This will drastically reduce the carb content while still giving you that satisfying crispy crust.
Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the parmesan you use is also certified gluten-free if necessary.
Dairy-Free: For those with dairy sensitivities or following a dairy-free diet, you can swap out the parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative. Some brands offer a variety of dairy-free cheeses that melt and crisp up nicely.
Healthier Fat Options: If you’re aiming to lower the fat content, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it in oil. You can also use olive oil spray to control the amount of oil used, making the crust crispy without excess fat.

By customizing the recipe, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Parmesan Crusted Chicken while keeping it aligned with your specific nutritional goals or dietary needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the crispy allure of a parmesan crust with the tender juiciness of chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it at Longhorn Steakhouse or recreating the recipe at home, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make it a standout choice for any meal.

Not only is it a flavorful, protein-packed option, but it’s also versatile enough to be customized to fit various dietary preferences. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can make a version that fits into a low-carb, gluten-free, or even dairy-free diet.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a dinner party, or just want to treat yourself to a comforting and delicious meal, Parmesan Crusted Chicken is sure to impress. So next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, remember that this restaurant-quality dish is just a few steps away from being on your dinner table!

Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a crispy, savory masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Recipe