This tasty Parmesan chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside, just like you’d find at Longhorn Steakhouse. It’s coated in cheesy goodness and baked to perfection!
I love how easy it is to whip up at home. Serve it with some veggies or pasta, and you’ve got a dinner that even your picky eaters will enjoy. Trust me, it’s a winner! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they’re lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which will stay juicier.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the chicken its distinctive flavor. For a different taste, try Pecorino Romano or a mix of both. Just make sure it’s finely grated for better adherence.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add a delicious texture and flavor. If you want to make your own, combine plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Gluten-free breadcrumbs also work well!
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices enhance flavor. If you prefer fresher tastes, you can substitute with minced garlic and finely chopped onion, but adjust the amounts to avoid overpowering.
How Do I Pound Chicken to the Right Thickness?
Pounding chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly and reduces the chances of dryness. Here’s how you do it:
- Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This prevents mess.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful to not tear the meat.
- Even thickness ensures all parts cook at the same rate, providing juicy and tender chicken.
Remember, the goal is not to pulverize the chicken, just to make it even! Happy cooking! 😄
Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. So overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, take a baking sheet and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Pound the Chicken:
To ensure even cooking, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until they are well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
4. Prepare the Dry Mixture:
In another shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give the chicken its fantastic flavor.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Next, coat it thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
6. Place on the Baking Sheet:
Lay the coated chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded to allow for even cooking.
7. Drizzle and Bake:
Drizzle olive oil or melted butter evenly over the chicken to help it get crispy and golden. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust looks deliciously golden brown.
8. Optional Broiling for Extra Crispiness:
If you’d like an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve it hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy your delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken!
FAQ for Longhorn Steakhouse Style Parmesan Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicier than breasts. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results, and adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the regular Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free options that will work perfectly for this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist, and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Chicken Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked chicken! Just make sure to wrap the coated chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It may take a few extra minutes to cook through if baking from thawed.
