Irresistible Copycat Longhorn Parm Crusted Chicken Recipe
There’s a little something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant dish at home. For me, that magic happens when I whip up the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Just the thought of that crispy, cheesy crust paired with tender, juicy chicken takes me back to cozy dinners with friends where laughter danced in the air and the aroma of comfort food filled the room. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, like a hug from a loved one!
So whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe promises to be a hit at your dining table. With its simple ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors, you’ll soon see why this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken has a special place in my heart. Let’s cook together, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you may already have at home.
- Comforting flavors that evoke the best of dining out.
- Customizable for dietary preferences—so everyone can enjoy!
- Impressive appearance that’ll wow any guest or family member!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated has more flavor than pre-packaged)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (they give that delightful crunchy texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced for more punch)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (trust me, it adds creaminess and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and a pop of color)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure!
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and ensures a nice, crispy finish. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the coating: In a large bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until everything is well combined. It should feel crumbly and moist.
- Prepare the mayo: In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This helps create a creamy base for the delicious coating to stick to.
- Coat the chicken: Spread a generous layer of the mayo mixture on one side of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy; this is what makes it juicy and flavorful!
- Crust it up: Press the mayo-coated side into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Flip it over and do the same on the other side. The more coating, the tastier!
- Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and crispy. (Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken!)
- Garnish and serve: When the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for that beautiful touch. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it.
Pro Tips & Variations
Ready to make this dish your own? Here are some fun twists and pro tips:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Cheesy goodness: Mix additional shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy crust.
- Herbaceous flair: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor; mix some into the mayo or breadcrumb mixture.
- Diet-friendly swaps: You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of panko.
- Make it your own: Try substituting the chicken breasts with thin-cut pork chops or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version!
Serving Suggestions
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken deserves a fabulous side to complement its deliciousness. Serve it with:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli drizzled with lemon for a pop of freshness.
- A side of garlic mashed potatoes, because, really, who can resist?
- Light, crisp salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
- A crusty loaf of bread for mopping up any sauce left on your plate.
- And let’s not forget a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea to wash it all down. Cheers!
Storage Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case around here!), here’s how to store and reheat your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken as well! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It should stay good for about 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help maintain that lovely crispiness. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave will work, but you might lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result since they have a bit more fat. Just adjust your cooking time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, or even sour cream for a tangy twist. Both options work wonderfully!
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken in advance by coating it and placing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Great question! I love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. You could also pair it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal bursting with flavor!
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, and you’re good to go!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your very own Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, ready to impress and tantalize taste buds. I hope you enjoy recreating this delicious meal as much as I do. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, and let’s keep this food-loving conversation going. Happy cooking!
Irresistible Copycat Longhorn Parm Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the flavors of Copycat Longhorn Parm Crusted Chicken with this simple recipe Perfectly crispy cheesy its dinner perfection 151 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delicious recreation of Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken that is easy to make at home, featuring a crispy, cheesy crust paired with tender chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Copycat Longhorn, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Chicken Recipe