Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Instructions Outline

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil. Set aside.

Prepare the Coatings:
In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk until well combined.
Place the flour in a third shallow dish.

Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Pan-Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. You’re not looking to cook them through at this stage, just to get a nice crust.

Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with the shredded mozzarella cheese and minced garlic.

Top and Bake:
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Parmesan chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic perfectly complement the cheesy, crispy chicken.

Steamed Vegetables: Lighten up the meal with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.

Pasta: Serve over a bed of buttered pasta or spaghetti with marinara sauce for a comforting Italian twist.

Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the meal.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the coating.

Freezing Instructions:
To freeze, prepare the chicken through Step 8 (breading and pan-frying), but do not bake. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Make-Ahead Tips:
You can prepare the breading and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Top with the cheese mixture just before baking.

Variations

Herb and Lemon Parmesan Chicken:
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor.

Spicy Parmesan Chicken:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture for a bit of heat.

Extra Cheesy Version:
Use a combination of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Asiago along with the Parmesan and mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.

Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Panko Crusted Chicken:
Swap out regular bread crumbs for panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy coating.

Final Note

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a dish that brings the rich flavors of your favorite restaurant meal right to your kitchen. It’s simple to make, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular part of your meal rotation. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a delicious dinner that the whole family will love!