Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken isn't just another restaurant dish—it's a culinary phenomenon that's sparked countless home kitchen recreations. You've probably wondered how to capture that restaurant-quality crispy, cheesy perfection without leaving your home. This copycat recipe will transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece, revealing the secrets behind that irresistible golden crust and flavor profile that keeps diners coming back for more.

Recipe Highlights

• Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and prepare a creamy coating of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
• Generously spread the mayonnaise mixture on chicken, then coat thoroughly with grated Parmesan, pressing firmly to ensure adherence.
• Cook chicken in a skillet with olive oil at medium-high heat until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Achieve a crispy exterior by carefully monitoring cooking temperature and avoiding overcooking, which helps maintain the chicken's juiciness.
• Serve immediately with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or salad, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

History

While the exact origins of Parmesan-crusted chicken are somewhat nebulous, this culinary technique likely emerged from Italian-American cooking traditions in the mid-20th century.

You'll find that home cooks began experimenting with cheese-coated proteins as a way to add flavor and texture to simple chicken dishes. The method probably evolved from traditional breading techniques, with Parmesan cheese offering a more sophisticated twist on classic fried chicken preparations.

Key historical developments include:

• Post-World War II culinary innovations
• Growing popularity of Italian-American cuisine
• Increased availability of imported Parmesan cheese
• Home cooks' desire for restaurant-style recipes

As Italian restaurants became more prevalent, chefs refined this technique, transforming it into a popular menu item that would eventually inspire dishes like Longhorn's signature Parmesan-crusted chicken.

Recipe

Indulge in the crispy, cheesy delight of Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a restaurant-inspired dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This recipe captures the perfect balance of a golden, cheese-laden exterior and tender, juicy chicken interior, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

The secret to this culinary triumph lies in the harmonious blend of Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning, which creates a flavorful coating that crisps beautifully when pan-fried. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by succulent chicken that will have your family and guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, which ensures uniform cooking. In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then generously coat each piece with the mayonnaise mixture. Next, spread the grated Parmesan cheese on a large plate. Press each mayonnaise-coated chicken breast into the cheese, ensuring a complete and even coverage.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow the chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to prevent burning.

After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final dish. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness, which ensures uniform cooking and helps create that perfect golden crust.

Next, spread the zesty mayo-seasoning mixture generously over each chicken breast, making sure to cover every surface for maximum flavor infusion.

Then, carefully coat each piece in grated Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to help the cheese adhere and create a crisp, cheesy exterior that'll make your taste buds sing.

Step 1. Pound Chicken to Even Thickness

Grab a meat mallet or heavy-bottomed skillet and prepare to transform your chicken breasts into uniform, perfectly cook-able pieces.

You'll want to create an even thickness that guarantees consistent cooking and a professional-looking result.

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently but firmly pound the meat using the flat side of your mallet, working from the center outwards. Aim for a uniform 1/2-inch thickness, which'll help prevent:

• Uneven cooking
• Dry edges
• Tough meat texture

Pay attention to the thicker parts of the breast, spending extra time smoothing those areas.

Don't use excessive force—steady, even strokes work best. As you pound, you'll see the chicken spread and thin out, creating a perfectly prepared canvas for your Parmesan crust.

Step 2. Spread Mayo-Seasoning Mixture Evenly

Whisk your mayonnaise and Italian seasoning together in a medium mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend that'll serve as the flavor-packed adhesive for your Parmesan coating.

Use a fork or small whisk to ensure the seasonings distribute evenly throughout the mayo, creating a uniform mixture with visible specks of herbs.

Next, arrange your pounded chicken breasts on a clean work surface, providing ample space for coating.

Using a silicone brush or the back of a spoon, spread the mayo mixture generously and evenly across each chicken breast.

Aim for a thin, consistent layer that'll help the Parmesan cheese adhere perfectly.

Work methodically, covering every surface of the chicken to guarantee maximum flavor absorption and crispy coating potential.

Step 3. Coat Chicken in Parmesan Cheese

Transform your seasoned chicken into a crispy Parmesan masterpiece by carefully pressing the grated cheese onto the mayo-coated surface.

You'll want to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire chicken breast.

Key coating techniques include:

• Use a shallow dish for the Parmesan
• Press the cheese firmly into the mayo layer
• Rotate the chicken to cover all sides
• Gently pat the cheese to help it adhere

Make sure no spots are missed, creating a uniform layer that'll crisp beautifully when cooking.

The cheese should completely envelope the chicken, forming a golden, crunchy exterior that'll deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

This step is crucial for achieving that signature Longhorn-style crust.

Step 4. Heat Skillet Medium-High

Three key elements will transform your skillet into the perfect Parmesan chicken cooking surface: temperature, oil, and timing.

Start by heating your large skillet to medium-high, which allows the olive oil to shimmer and create an ideal searing environment. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, tilting the pan to ensure even coverage, creating a thin, uniform layer that prevents sticking and promotes beautiful golden-brown coloration.

Watch for these visual cues:

• Oil should ripple and look glossy
• Surface should appear slightly shimmering
• Temperature around 375°F-400°F ideal for crisp crust

When the oil is hot but not smoking, gently place your Parmesan-coated chicken breasts into the skillet.

Listen for a satisfying sizzle—that's your signal of perfect heat interaction. The medium-high temperature will help create a crisp exterior while maintaining the chicken's internal moisture.

Step 5. Cook Until Golden

Once the skillet's heat transforms your olive oil into a golden, shimmering canvas, you'll begin the critical process of cooking your Parmesan-crusted chicken to a perfect golden brown.

Carefully place each chicken breast in the skillet, ensuring they don't touch. Listen for the satisfying sizzle that indicates proper heat contact. Watch the edges of the chicken turn opaque, signaling it's time to flip after 5-7 minutes.

You'll want a rich, amber-golden crust that's crisp but not burnt. Use tongs to gently turn the chicken, allowing the other side to develop the same beautiful coloration. The Parmesan cheese should create a delicate, lacy, golden-brown exterior that's both crunchy and beautifully caramelized.

Track the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a home cook seeking a restaurant-quality meal or a culinary enthusiast looking to impress your dinner guests, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a delightful solution.

You'll find the technique is straightforward, requiring minimal specialized skills but delivering maximum flavor. The key is precision in preparation: consistent chicken thickness, careful coating, and temperature control.

By following these steps, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that's both crispy and tender. Remember to use freshly grated Parmesan, watch your heat carefully, and let the chicken rest after cooking.

With practice, you'll master this technique, creating a go-to meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and savor every golden, cheesy bite.