This delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken, inspired by LongHorn Steakhouse, is a savory, cheesy, and crispy delight that brings the flavor of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is coated with a golden crust of parmesan and breadcrumbs, then topped with melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect meal for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or even a special date night at home.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan frying)

Directions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

2. In one bowl, mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. In another, beat the eggs.

3. Dip chicken in the egg mixture, then dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat well.

4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

5. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through.

6. Serve hot with sides of your choice.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 430

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 26g

• Sodium: 680mg

• Fiber: 1g

LongHorn Steakhouse has long been a favorite for hearty meals and bold flavors, but you don’t have to dine out to enjoy one of its most iconic dishes. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe captures the magic of the restaurant version while being surprisingly easy to recreate at home. With a juicy chicken breast as the base, a crunchy parmesan crust, and melted mozzarella to finish, this dish is as comforting as it is impressive. It’s also versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple salad—making it ideal for both casual and special meals.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

While LongHorn Steakhouse didn’t invent Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it definitely popularized its signature take on this beloved classic. Traditionally, parmesan chicken has roots in Italian-American cuisine, where breaded cutlets are topped with tomato sauce and cheese. However, LongHorn’s version omits the tomato and doubles down on cheesy, crunchy textures instead. That twist made it a customer favorite, and now it’s one of the most searched-for steakhouse copycat recipes online.

This version of Parmesan Crusted Chicken appeals to so many because it’s rich, savory, and layered with textures—crispy outside, juicy inside, with creamy, melted cheese to finish. It’s also customizable: serve it over pasta, alongside vegetables, or with your favorite dipping sauces. Because of its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor, it remains a go-to for home cooks who want restaurant-style meals without the cost or commute.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re a fan of steakhouse classics or just love crispy chicken, this recipe delivers on all fronts. You’ll love it because:

• It’s easy to make, even for beginners.

• It combines familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

• The cheesy topping adds extra richness without overpowering the chicken.

• It’s kid-approved and elegant enough for entertaining adults.

• It feels indulgent but can be lightened up with a few simple swaps.

It’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to because it’s both reliable and satisfying.

Health Benefits

While this dish leans toward indulgent, it does offer some nutritional perks:

• High in protein thanks to the chicken and cheese.

• Calcium-rich from the mozzarella and parmesan.

• Easy to make lower-carb by reducing or swapping the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

• You can use low-fat cheese and air fry instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.

• Add sides like steamed broccoli or a leafy salad for a balanced plate.

Eating comfort food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing health—this dish offers the best of both worlds when you adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is versatile enough to go with just about any side dish. Here are a few winning combinations:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower.

• Buttered pasta or creamy alfredo linguine.

• Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.

• Grilled asparagus or roasted green beans.

• Garlic bread or herbed dinner rolls.

You can also slice the chicken and serve it over a Caesar salad or in a wrap for lunch the next day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these small pitfalls will ensure your chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Skipping the egg dip: This step helps the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating stick to the chicken. Don’t skip it!

• Not seasoning the chicken: Bland meat equals a bland dish. Season every layer!

• Overcooking: Always check internal temperature (165°F or 75°C) to avoid dry meat.

• Using cold cheese: Let your cheese sit at room temp for better melting and coverage.

• Not pressing the crust firmly onto the chicken: This helps achieve that restaurant-style crust that doesn’t fall off in the pan.

These details may seem small, but they make a huge difference in the final result.

Pairing Recommendations

The richness of the cheese and crispy coating pairs well with the following:

• Wine: A light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the parmesan and chicken beautifully.

• Drinks: Lemon iced tea, ginger ale, or a sparkling water with citrus.

• Sauces: Garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a spicy ranch dip.

• Desserts: End with something fresh, like lemon bars or a fruit tart to balance the richness.

The trick is balancing the dish’s creaminess with something crisp, bright, or acidic.

Cooking Tips

Make your cooking experience smoother and more successful with these tips:

• Use a meat mallet to pound chicken evenly—this ensures even cooking.

• Grate fresh Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for better melt and flavor.

• Chill coated chicken briefly before frying for a firmer crust.

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even browning.

• Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Mastering these techniques will elevate your cooking and bring this dish to restaurant level.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love this dish, here are a few others to explore:

• Chicken Parmesan with Marinara

• Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

• Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo

• Garlic Herb Crusted Chicken Thighs

Each one offers its own twist on crispy, cheesy, or creamy flavors—but all deliver on satisfaction.

Variations to Try

Try mixing things up with these creative variations:

• Add a layer of creamy ranch dressing under the cheese before baking.

• Spicy version: Mix crushed red pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.

• Herb crust: Add fresh chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the crust.

• Bacon-lover’s version: Add cooked bacon crumbles before baking.

• Air fryer version: Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe can be adapted to suit every palate.

Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is the star of this dish, offering sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that deepens as it crisps up in the oven. Real Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) has a rich flavor profile and melts beautifully, making it ideal for crusts, coatings, and toppings. Using freshly grated Parmesan ensures the best texture and flavor for your chicken crust, far surpassing the shelf-stable varieties.

It’s also naturally low in lactose and high in protein, adding both nutrition and decadence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly for smaller cuts.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular bread crumbs.

3. Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Coat and pan-fry the chicken in advance, refrigerate, then bake with cheese when ready to serve.

4. What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and texture.

5. Can I freeze this?
Yes. Freeze fully cooked portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

6. Do I need to bake after pan-frying?
Yes, baking ensures the chicken cooks through and melts the cheese perfectly.

7. Can I skip the mozzarella?
You can, but it adds creaminess and extra richness. Try provolone or gouda as alternatives.

8. What oil should I use for frying?
Use olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil—something with a medium to high smoke point.

9. What can I do with leftovers?
Slice and use in sandwiches, wraps, or on salads. It’s great for meal prep!

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The cheesy, crunchy texture is a hit with kids—just skip the spicy add-ins if needed.

Conclusion

LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: easy, flavorful, family-approved, and comforting. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. With a few pantry staples and a quick sear-and-bake technique, you’ll enjoy the rich, crispy, cheesy goodness that made this dish a restaurant favorite—right at home.