Description

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously rich and savory dish that combines tender, marinated chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy crust. Inspired by the popular restaurant favorite, this recipe allows you to recreate the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse at home. The combination of Parmesan, Provolone, and panko breadcrumbs provides a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a hit for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Main Dish:

4 pristine boneless and skinless chicken breasts
A pinch of salt & pepper adjusted to your preference
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for that perfect sear

Marinade Magic (For the time-pressed: A bottle of Italian Salad Dressing works wonders!):

1/3 cup of the finest olive oil
1/3 cup of creamy ranch dressing
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for that tang
1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar
A squeeze 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon of freshly minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

Glorious Parmesan Crust:

1/2 cup of aromatic Parmesan cheese finely chopped
1/2 cup of luscious Provolone cheese finely chopped
6 tablespoons of Buttermilk Ranch salad dressing Classic Ranch will do the trick too!
4 tablespoons of silky melted butter
3/4 cup of crispy panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons of garlic powder for that extra punch

Instructions

Marinating the Star of the Show:

Whisk all those delectable marinade ingredients together till you get a smooth, well-blended concoction.
Lay your chicken in a spacious gallon freezer bag, expel the air, and seal it securely. Employ your trusty meat tenderizer and gently pound until about 1/2 inch in thickness. Here’s a tip: It’ll get a bit more voluptuous once cooked.
Season each side of the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to your liking.
Transfer your chicken to a fresh freezer bag, drench it with the marinade, seal, and refrigerate. Let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes or, if you can wait, overnight for a deeper infusion.

The Searing Dance:

In a skillet, preferably cast iron for that unbeatable sear, heat 2-3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Lay the chicken and let it sizzle untouched for 4-5 minutes on each side, aiming for that divine golden hue. If your pan throws a tantrum and gets too hot, turn the heat down a notch. Once it’s perfectly seared, nestle the chicken onto a fresh plate or baking sheet, cloak with foil to retain warmth.

The Crowning Glory – Parmesan Crust:

Set your oven to low broil, reaching about 450° F.
In a mixing bowl, blend together Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing. Microwave this trio in 15-second bursts, giving a gentle stir between each round, until it achieves a molten state. Lavishly layer this on the chicken.
Broil this beauty for 3 minutes or until the cheese starts whispering golden secrets.
Meanwhile, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs. Adorn your chicken with this mixture.
Broil for just about a minute till the breadcrumbs flirt with a golden tint. Keep a vigilant eye!

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and Provolone cheeses. This enhances the flavor and ensures a smoother, creamier crust. Additionally, keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.