Tasty Crusted Chicken

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

This version brings Longhorn's popular chicken dish to your table. Marinated chicken gets a crunchy cheese topping with crispy breadcrumbs. Use a pan, grill, or oven for cooking.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:09:38 GMT
Chicken with a golden crust served with rice and broccoli. Pin it
Chicken with a golden crust served with rice and broccoli. | lilicooks.com

I whipped up this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat after tons of kitchen trials. When I finally got that crunchy Parmesan layer and rich cheese blend just right, my kids swore it beat the restaurant version. It's now our favorite way to transform boring weeknights into something memorable.

Homemade Restaurant Wonder

The beauty of this dish comes from how everything works together. The well-seasoned chicken under gooey cheese and that crispy, garlicky Parmesan top creates something truly satisfying. Everyone at my table always wants more and begs to know how I made it.

Ingredients List

  • Chicken Breast: 4 pieces without bones or skin, hammered to ½-inch thick so they cook evenly.
  • Marinade: Some olive oil, Italian dressing, or just mix olive oil with herbs and garlic for taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly shredded for better flavor.
  • Provolone Cheese: 4 slices that'll melt into a velvety layer.
  • Ranch Dressing: ⅓ cup to add some zip to your crust.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup for that amazing crunch.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted to stick everything together.
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon to punch up the taste.

Cooking Steps

Prep Your Chicken
Flatten those chicken pieces evenly and let them soak in that flavorful marinade.
Create a Nice Crust
Make sure your skillet is super hot when you put the chicken in for that gorgeous browning.
Layer The Cheese
Blend that wonderful Parmesan and provolone mixture until it's gorgeously gooey.
Top It Off
That buttery breadcrumb mix on top really makes this dish stand out.
Finish Strong
Let it sit under the broiler just until it turns golden brown but watch it carefully.

Helpful Tricks

Don't use the pre-grated stuff, fresh Parmesan tastes way better. Get those chicken breasts really flat and even for the best results. And don't walk away during broiling—those last couple minutes can make or break your perfect crust.

Storing Leftovers

Any extras will stay good in your fridge for a few days. Heat them up in your oven to keep that topping nice and crispy. You can also get the chicken ready ahead of time and just add the cheese stuff right before you cook.

A plate with crispy breaded chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, and a piece of broccoli. Pin it
A plate with crispy breaded chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, and a piece of broccoli. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Sides

This goes great with smooth, creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all the yummy sauce. Add some oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans to round things out. And grab some soft dinner rolls to wipe your plate clean of all that cheesy goodness.

Family Favorite

This chicken has become the meal we turn to when we want that restaurant feeling without leaving home. It's amazing how combining these simple things creates such a knockout dinner. The happy faces around my table make every bit of effort so worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What other cheeses work?

Sure! Mozzarella, Swiss, or Munster are good stand-ins for provolone. Go for brands like Boars Head or Prima Della for better flavor.

→ Is there a faster marinade?

Italian dressing makes a speedy marinade. Just measure out a cup and you're set to go.

→ How do I make it keto?

Swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds to make a keto-friendly version of this dish.

→ What are other cooking options?

Apart from pan-frying, you can pop it in the oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes or grill it over medium-high for 4-7 minutes each side.

→ Can I prep this early?

Yep, marinate the chicken the night before and mix the crust topping when you're ready to cook it.

Conclusion

Step-by-step instructions to make Longhorn’s signature parmesan-topped chicken at home. Versatile methods and ingredient swaps included.

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

Juicy marinated chicken with a crunchy mix of Parmesan and provolone cheese layered with flavorful breadcrumbs.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 boneless, skin-off chicken breasts.
02 ⅓ cup of ranch dressing mix.
03 ⅓ cup of olive oil.
04 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
05 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
06 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
07 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic.
08 ½ cup diced Provolone cheese.
09 6 tablespoons of buttermilk ranch.
10 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
11 ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko).
12 Salt and pepper as needed.
13 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
14 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
15 2 teaspoons powdered garlic.

Instructions

Step 01

Flatten chicken to about half an inch. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Put all marinade ingredients together, toss with chicken, and chill for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight.

Step 03

Cook chicken in a hot pan for about 4-5 minutes each side until it's golden and done.

Step 04

Stir cheeses with ranch and warm it in the microwave. Separately, mix melted butter, breadcrumbs, and powdered garlic.

Step 05

Spread cheese blend over chicken, add breadcrumbs on top. Broil for 3-4 minutes to brown the crust slightly.

Notes

  1. Italian dressing works as a speedy marinade.
  2. You can bake or grill this too.
  3. Swap pork rinds for breadcrumbs for a keto option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Meat pounder.
  • Microwave oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, ranch).
  • Includes wheat-based breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 660
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 56 g