Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Longhorn Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, a dish that brings the rich and savory experience of dining out right into your own kitchen. With a delicious blend of cheese, crispy panko, and perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup Italian salad dressing
For the Parmesan Crust:
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, finely chopped
– 1/3 cup Ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish:
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings
Create a memorable meal with this easy and flavorful recipe that mimics a favorite dish from Longhorn Steakhouse. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Remove excess air and seal the bag.
– Using a meat mallet, gently pound each breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
– Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken:
– Transfer the seasoned chicken to a clean resealable bag and pour in the Italian salad dressing.
– Seal the bag, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the marinade.
– Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 4–5 minutes per side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to develop.
– Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F), transfer it to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and tent with foil to keep warm.
Prepare the Parmesan Crust:
– Preheat your oven’s broiler.
– In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and Ranch dressing.
– Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
– Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Make the Topping:
– In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, salt, and panko breadcrumbs.
– Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the cheesy layer on the chicken.
Broil:
– Place the chicken under the broiler for 3–4 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and slightly crisp.
– Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve:
– Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
– Serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken Tenderness:
– Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
Marination Time:
– Longer marination times enhance flavor, so consider marinating overnight if time allows.
Cheese Variations:
– Feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well if Parmesan and Provolone are unavailable.
Panko Breadcrumbs:
– Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture; do not substitute with regular breadcrumbs for best results.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Marinating the Chicken
Use Italian salad dressing to marinate the chicken for enhanced flavor, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
Sear the chicken in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, ensuring it cooks thoroughly by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Preparing the Parmesan Crust
Combine cheeses and Ranch dressing, heat in the microwave until melted and smooth, and spread it over the cooked chicken.
Making the Topping
Combine melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and panko breadcrumbs for the topping, ensuring an even distribution over the cheese layer.
Broiling
Broil the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden topping, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Garnishing and Serving
Finish the dish with fresh parsley for garnish and serve alongside your choice of sides.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, you can replace the cheeses with similar options like mozzarella or cheddar.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for more flavor.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time, then assemble and cook when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Longhorn Parmesan-Crusted Chicken recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of a restaurant-quality meal right into your home. With its savory chicken, creamy cheese crust, and crispy topping, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe, and savor the gourmet experience it offers.
Parmesan-Crusted Salmon
Try a twist by using salmon fillets instead of chicken. Follow the same steps for marinating and topping for a delicious seafood alternative.
Stuffed Parmesan Chicken
Add a filling of spinach and ricotta to chicken breasts before crusting them. This variation adds creaminess and flavor to each bite.
Parmesan-Crusted Vegetables
Use the same cheese and breadcrumb topping on roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for a vegetarian-friendly option that’s equally satisfying.
Spicy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Slice chicken breasts into tenders and prepare them in the same way for kid-friendly chicken tenders that are crunchy and flavorful.
Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use some of the chicken mixture inside bell peppers, top with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake until the peppers are tender for a hearty, colorful dish.
