This Parmesan chicken is crispy, cheesy, and super tasty! Coated with flavorful breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, it’s a dinner hit!
When I make this, I can’t resist pairing it with a side of pasta or veggies. Perfect for those nights when you crave comfort food without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, ensuring uniform cooking. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier outcome, as they’ll stay moist even with cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor with herbs already mixed in. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs work, or you can crush some crackers for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. However, if it’s unavailable, Pecorino Romano or even a mix of aged cheddar can add a nice zing.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred marinara will do, but homemade is always a treat! For a lighter option, consider using a tomato basil sauce.
Olive Oil: While I suggest olive oil for frying due to its rich flavor, you could substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil for a neutral taste.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Breaded?
Breading the chicken can seem tricky, but with a little patience, it’s easy! Start by setting up your assembly line: flour, eggs, and then the breadcrumb mix. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for full coverage.
- First, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any extra. This helps the eggs stick.
- Then dip it in the beaten eggs. Ensure it’s completely covered.
- Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix firmly so it adheres well.
This three-step process ensures a crispy coating that locks in moisture while cooking. Also, don’t skip the pressing step; it makes all the difference!
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 35-40 minutes total to cook and bake. You’ll enjoy every minute as you create this savory chicken topped with marinara and melted cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Set Up a Breading Station:
Create a breading station by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, pour the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will make the crispy coating!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s covered well, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so it sticks nicely to the chicken. Repeat for all the chicken pieces.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Once the chicken is golden, transfer the cooked pieces to your prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, covering it evenly.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and melted and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)).
8. Garnish and Serve:
When you take it out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Now your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the thighs. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as well.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can skip it or substitute it with dried parsley instead. Use about one teaspoon of dried parsley for a hint of flavor. Alternatively, you can use other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different twist.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel, which helps retain moisture. Heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Look for gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs available in most grocery stores. The preparation steps will be the same!
