Tired of serving dry, flavorless chicken breasts that leave your family pushing food around their plates? The secret to restaurant-quality Chicken Dishes is finally within reach! This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior that will have everyone asking for seconds. As the creator behind Bikren Cook, I’ve spent years perfecting this Chicken Dinner recipe that rivals the famous steakhouse version—without requiring professional kitchen equipment.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook — where passion meets the plate. Cooking has always been more than a skill for me; it’s my way of bringing comfort, joy, and creativity to the people I love. This Parmesan Chicken recipe is one I discovered during a family celebration at Longhorn Steakhouse. After three attempts to recreate it at home, I finally cracked the code to what makes their Chicken Breast Recipes so special. Now, I’m sharing all my secrets with you!
In this guide, you’ll discover the exact techniques Longhorn chefs use, from the perfect breading ratio to the ideal cooking temperature. Whether you’re planning Easy Dinner Recipes for busy weeknights or impressive Chicken Dishes Recipes for weekend guests, this versatile parmesan chicken delivers restaurant results every time.
Why This Chicken Dinner Recipe Works
- Uses budget-friendly chicken breasts that transform into restaurant-quality entrees
- Requires just 10 minutes of prep time for maximum flavor impact
- Creates that perfect Longhorn crispy-outside, juicy-inside texture
- Works equally well for casual family Chicken Dinner nights or elegant entertaining
- Combines simple ingredients for that unmistakable Longhorn flavor profile
Choosing the Right Chicken for Parmesan Chicken Recipes
Best Cuts for This Recipe
For authentic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are essential. Look for medium-sized breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) with even thickness throughout. The uniform size ensures even cooking, while the lean meat provides the perfect canvas for the parmesan crust.
Buying Tips for Perfect Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
When selecting chicken for Chicken Breast Recipes, look for:
- Pinkish color without gray areas
- No excess liquid in the package (indicates freshness)
- Plump breasts with minimal visible fat
- “Air-chilled” varieties for better texture and flavor
Substitutions for Chicken Dishes Recipes
While classic breasts are ideal, you can adapt this recipe using:
- Chicken tenderloins (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes)
- Chicken cutlets (already thin, skip the pounding step)
- Boneless chicken thighs (for even juicier Chicken Dinner Recipes, but adjust cooking time)
Ingredients & Prep for Parmesan Chicken Dishes
Chicken Prep Essentials
The secret to Longhorn’s perfectly textured Chicken Dinner starts with proper preparation:
- Butterfly each breast horizontally, then open like a book
- Place between plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness
- Pat completely dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy coating)
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Marinade & Coating Ingredients
For authentic Longhorn flavor in your Chicken Dishes Recipes, gather:
For the marinade:
- Buttermilk – 1 cup
- Garlic powder – 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning – 2 teaspoons
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
For the coating:
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1½ cups
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – 1 cup
- Italian seasoning – 2 teaspoons
- Garlic powder – 1 tablespoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 2 tablespoons
Pantry Staples for Yummy Dinners
Complete your ingredient list with these essentials:
- High-quality olive oil (for cooking)
- Eggs (2, beaten) for the dredging station
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup) for the initial coating
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken Breast Recipes
Pre-Cooking Prep for Chicken Breast Recipes
- Create a three-station dredging setup: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and the panko-parmesan mixture in a third
- After marinating chicken in buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours), remove and pat dry again
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
Cooking Method for Perfect Chicken Dishes
- Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the panko-parmesan mixture
- Press gently to ensure coating adheres well to create that signature Longhorn crust
- Sear each breast in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Transfer the entire skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes
Doneness Check for Chicken Dinner Recipes
The key to juicy Chicken Dinner success is precision:
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part
- Chicken is perfectly done at 165°F
- Avoid overcooking, which ruins the juiciness Longhorn is known for
Resting Your Chicken Breast Recipes
For restaurant-quality results:
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes
- This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley before serving
Want more Easy Dinner Recipes that impress? Check out my Easy One-Skillet Salmon Lemon Orzo for another quick weeknight winner!
Pro Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Dishes
Avoiding Tough/Dry Chicken Breast Recipes Baked
- Never skip the pounding step – even thickness is crucial
- The buttermilk marinade acts as a tenderizer; don’t rush this step
- Use a meat thermometer rather than cutting to check doneness
- Remove from oven when thermometer reads 160°F – it will reach 165°F while resting
Tool Recommendations for Chicken Dishes Recipes
For Longhorn-quality results every time:
- Digital instant-read thermometer for precision cooking
- Cast iron skillet for perfect searing and oven transfer
- Meat mallet with flat side for even pounding
- Heavy-bottom baking sheet if not using skillet method
Storage & Reheating Chicken Dinner Leftovers
Make your Chicken Dinner stretch further with proper storage:
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy coating
- For meal prep, freeze uncooked breaded chicken with parchment between layers
Looking for more delicious poultry inspiration? You’ll love my Juicy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken recipe too!
Flavor Variations for Chicken Breast Recipes
Spicy Twist on Chicken Dishes
Transform this classic into a spicier version:
- Add 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper to the panko mixture
- Include 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade
- Serve with spicy marinara instead of traditional sauce
If you love bringing the heat to your meals, browse more recipes on my Pinterest page where I’ve created boards dedicated to spicy flavor profiles for every palate!
Health-Conscious Adaptations
Modify this recipe for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko and flour
- Lower-carb: Replace half the breadcrumbs with almond flour
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan
Global Flavors in Chicken Dinner Recipes
| Flavor Profile | Key Ingredients to Add | Recommended Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Oregano, lemon zest, olives | Tzatziki |
| Mexican | Cumin, coriander, chili powder | Avocado crema |
| Italian | Basil, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes | Marinara |
| Asian-inspired | Ginger, garlic, sesame seeds | Sweet chili sauce |
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Dinner Recipes
Elevate your Chicken Breast Recipes with these perfect pairings:
Side dishes that complement Longhorn Parmesan Chicken:
- Garlic butter pasta with fresh herbs
- Roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze
- Crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing
- Creamy mashed potatoes with chives
Sauce options for Chicken Dinner perfection:
- Classic marinara sauce (Longhorn’s traditional choice)
- Lemon butter sauce for brightness
- Creamy mushroom sauce for richness
- Pesto for an herbal twist
Drink pairings for Yummy Dinners:
- Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with fresh lemon
- Italian soda for a fun family dinner
For a complete dining experience, consider my Classic Braised Short Ribs recipe when planning your next special occasion menu!
FAQs About Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipes
Q: Can I prepare this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps the coating crisp until cooking time.
Q: How do I fix soggy breading on my Chicken Dishes?
A: Ensure your oil is hot before adding chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan, and use the oven-finish method for the crispiest results.
Q: Can I use pre-grated parmesan for this Chicken Breast Recipes Baked?
A: Fresh-grated parmesan provides superior flavor and texture. Pre-grated contains anti-caking agents that can affect the final result.
Q: How do I make this Chicken Dinner recipe for a large family gathering?
A: Double or triple ingredients as needed. For large batches, maintain the oven at 425°F but cook in batches when searing to avoid overcrowding.
Q: What’s the best way to pound chicken evenly?
A: Use the flat side of a meat mallet, starting from the center and working outward with gentle, even pressure.
If you’re looking for more entertaining ideas, my Easy Juicy Marinated Grilled Shrimp makes a perfect appetizer before serving this Longhorn chicken!
Time to Create Your Own Restaurant-Quality Chicken Dinner!
Now you have all the secrets to recreate Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Chicken in your own kitchen! This recipe proves that restaurant-quality Chicken Dishes Recipes are absolutely achievable at home with the right techniques and ingredients.
The combination of proper preparation, quality ingredients, and precise cooking methods ensures juicy, flavorful Chicken Breast Recipes every time. From weeknight family meals to special occasion entertaining, this versatile dish will quickly become your go-to for impressive yet easy cooking.
Join thousands of home cooks who’ve already mastered this recipe and experienced the joy of watching family and friends savor every bite. Your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite restaurant – Bon Appétit!