Introduction
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of their most popular menu items—tender grilled chicken breasts layered with a creamy ranch-based spread, melted cheese, and a crispy Parmesan–garlic crust. This easy copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, perfect for impressing guests or elevating weeknight dinners.
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Origin
The dish was inspired by American steakhouse tradition, where grilled meats are paired with indulgent toppings. Longhorn Steakhouse, founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, became famous for hearty portions and bold flavors. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken emerged as a signature entrée, blending Italian-inspired cheese and breadcrumbs with all-American grilled chicken.
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Cultural Significance
This dish reflects the fusion of American casual dining culture—generous servings, layered flavors, and comforting familiarity. Parmesan-crusted toppings are rooted in Italian-American cooking, but when paired with char-grilled chicken, it becomes a uniquely American steakhouse comfort dish. Its popularity lies in the way it delivers both simplicity and decadence on one plate.
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Ingredients (with Quantity)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Topping:
½ cup ranch dressing (or creamy Caesar)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Crispy Parmesan Crust:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Optional Additions
Swap ranch with garlic aioli for a different creamy base.
Add shredded provolone for more gooey richness.
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the crust.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Tips for Success
Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
Use a mix of Parmesan styles (freshly grated + pre-grated) for both sharp flavor and crispy texture.
Broil at the end for a golden-brown crust.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
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Instructions
1. Prep chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a baking sheet.
3. Make crispy topping: In a bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until crumbly.
4. Assemble: Spread 1 tbsp ranch dressing on each chicken breast. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Finish with the crispy Parmesan crust mixture.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken for 10 minutes, then switch to broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
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Description
This copycat recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated with a creamy ranch base, melty mozzarella-Parmesan cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping. Each bite is smoky, cheesy, and garlicky—exactly like the steakhouse favorite, but homemade and customizable.
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Nutritional Information (per serving, ~4 servings)
Calories: ~490
Protein: 44g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: ~860mg
(Varies by cheese, dressing, and crust ingredients used.)
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Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is more than just grilled chicken—it’s a layered comfort food experience that balances juicy meat, creamy sauce, and crunchy crust. Making it at home gives you the restaurant indulgence without the cost, plus the freedom to tweak flavors to your liking.
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Recommendation
Pair it with:
Garlic mashed potatoes or a baked potato.
Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans.
A crisp Caesar salad for freshness.
This makes for a complete steakhouse-style dinner at home.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten it up while keeping indulgence:
Use Greek yogurt ranch or light Caesar dressing.
Choose reduced-fat mozzarella.
Swap panko breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed whole-grain crackers.
Grill chicken without added oil and use a thinner layer of topping.
