There’s something magical about restaurant-style chicken that makes it extra special. If you’ve ever had the Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse, you know exactly what I mean! That golden, crispy coating with a cheesy, melty topping is just chef’s kiss—pure perfection.

But guess what? You don’t need to head to Longhorn every time that craving hits. This copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings all that deliciousness right to your kitchen, and trust me, it’s so easy to make! Juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust, finished off with gooey mozzarella—this dish will become a family favorite in no time.

Let’s jump right in and make this irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This recipe is broken down into three simple parts: the chicken marinade, the crispy crust, and the cheesy topping.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray (for the baking dish)

For the Cheesy Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Prep & Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is key—it keeps the chicken moist and tender while also helping the crispy crust adhere beautifully.

Take your chicken breasts and coat each one generously with the mayo mixture. You can do this with a spoon or your hands (messy but effective!). Let the chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak in those flavors while you prep the Parmesan crust.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Parmesan Crust

In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. This combo is what gives the chicken that crispy, golden crunch. If you want an even crispier crust, drizzle in a bit of olive oil—it helps with browning.

Now, take each mayo-coated chicken breast and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch is covered because that crispy crust is what makes this dish so irresistible.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place your coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re not overcrowded. If you want extra crunch, drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil over the top.

Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The Parmesan crust should be beautifully golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

With about 5 minutes left in the baking time, it’s time to add that cheesy, gooey topping. Take your ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over each piece of chicken.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra creaminess, you can mix the mozzarella with a bit of shredded white cheddar or provolone. It gives a rich, slightly sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy Parmesan crust.

Pop the baking dish back into the oven and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes—but keep an eye on it! Cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Garnish

Once your cheese is melted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and juicy.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright pop of color and a touch of freshness. If you want to go the extra mile, a light drizzle of garlic butter over the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor—just like the restaurant version!

Serving Suggestions – What Goes Well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

This dish is super versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are a few perfect side dishes to make this a complete meal:

Classic Pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery, perfect with crispy chicken.
• Roasted vegetables – A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds color and nutrition.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans – A simple and fresh option.

Italian-Inspired Pairings:

• Pasta alfredo – A rich, creamy pasta balances the crunchy chicken.
• Garlic butter noodles – Light and flavorful, letting the chicken shine.

Lighter Sides:

• Caesar salad – Crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons complement the dish.
• Caprese salad – Tomato, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing contrast.

 Extra Tip: If you want to go full Longhorn Steakhouse mode, serve this with a side of warm honey butter rolls. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish disappears fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping that crunchy crust intact:

Storing:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If freezing, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: The best method—place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.
• Microwave: Not recommended—it softens the crust, but if necessary, heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! If you prefer juicier, more flavorful chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may take a bit longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Do I have to use mayonnaise for the coating?

No, but it helps the crispy crust adhere while keeping the chicken moist and juicy. If you’re not a fan of mayo, try substituting with:

• Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)
• Sour cream
• Olive oil (a lighter option, though it won’t be as creamy)

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and crust in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to bake, coat the chicken and follow the baking instructions. This ensures maximum crispiness!

4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. They create the same crispy effect without the gluten!

5. What’s the best way to reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken without losing its crispiness?

The oven or air fryer is your best bet!

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes
• Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes

Avoid the microwave—it makes the crust soft and soggy.

6. Can I add extra seasoning or spice to the crust?

Of course! If you want extra flavor, try adding:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (for extra Italian flair)

7. What’s the difference between Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Chicken Parmesan?

Great question! While both dishes feature crispy, cheesy chicken, they’re quite different:

• Chicken Parmesan: Typically breaded, fried, and smothered in marinara sauce with mozzarella.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A lighter, mayo-based coating with a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust and no sauce.

Both are delicious, but this recipe is all about the crispy, cheesy goodness without the red sauce!

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

There’s a reason Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fan-favorite—it’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. But making it at home is so much better because:

• It’s quick & easy – Less than an hour from start to finish!
• Budget-friendly – No need to dine out to enjoy a gourmet meal.
• Customizable – You can tweak the seasonings, cheese, or side dishes to match your tastes.
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters love this dish!

Give It a Try!

Now that you’ve got all the tips, tricks, and secrets to making this restaurant-style dish at home, it’s time to get cooking! If you make this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations!

And remember, this chicken pairs well with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies—so have fun experimenting with different side dishes.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, mouthwatering masterpiece!

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