Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Golden, crispy, and smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce—Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. This beloved dish mimics the famous Longhorn Steakhouse favorite, boasting juicy chicken breasts topped with a crunchy Parmesan crust and finished with a buttery, tangy ranch-style cheese blend.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at dinner or craving a decadent homemade meal, this recipe delivers both elegance and soul-satisfying flavor. Pair it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight. Let’s dive into everything you need to recreate this iconic dish!

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Ingredients for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ranch dressing (preferably buttermilk-based)
• ½ cup crushed garlic croutons (or plain breadcrumbs)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet—this helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just getting that delicious crust on the outside. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish.

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Step 3: Layer with Sauce and Cheese

Spoon a generous amount of ranch dressing over each seared chicken breast. Next, sprinkle shredded provolone cheese over the top, followed by grated Parmesan. This combo creates the gooey, melty layer that mimics Longhorn’s signature topping.

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Step 4: Add the Crust

Crush garlic croutons in a zip-top bag or pulse in a food processor until crumbly. Sprinkle the crushed croutons evenly over the cheese layer on each piece of chicken. Press down gently to help the crumbs adhere and form that signature crispy crust.

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Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is golden and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to preserve the crispy topping. You can also microwave it for 1–2 minutes, but note the crust may soften.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 46g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese works best for the topping?

Provolone and Parmesan are ideal for mimicking Longhorn’s version. However, mozzarella or white cheddar can also be used for a cheesy variation.

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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well—just note they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time due to thickness.

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Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

Absolutely. Replace the croutons with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly Parmesan crust.

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What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

You can use Caesar or a garlic aioli base for a flavor twist, but ranch offers that tangy richness closest to the original.

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How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Let the chicken rest before serving, avoid covering it while hot, and reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain that crispy texture.

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Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Sear the chicken and layer with sauce and cheese ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then top with crumbs and bake just before serving.

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What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, roasted green beans, or a Caesar salad pair wonderfully with this chicken.

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Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use gluten-free croutons or breadcrumbs, and make sure your ranch dressing is certified gluten-free.

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