Why You’ll Love This Casserole
If you’re looking for a dish that is both comforting and impressive, look no further than the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Featuring a crispy, golden-brown crust and tender chicken breast, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or hosting friends. The rich flavors and delightful textures will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, all from the comfort of your own home. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, pound them gently to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Set Up Dredging Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in the first bowl, whisk the eggs and water in the second bowl, and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
- Dredge Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough coating on both sides.
- Bake Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for quality chicken breasts for better texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Coating: Feel free to add herbs and spices that suit your taste preferences, such as paprika for a smoky flavor or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Sauce Variations: While marinara is classic, you can experiment with alfredo sauce or pesto to switch things up.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this parmesan-crusted chicken with a fresh salad for a lighter meal or serve it alongside pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a more satisfying feast. A side of garlic mashed potatoes also complements the dish beautifully.
Nutritional Information
While serving comfort food like this dish is an indulgence, you can also make slight adjustments to lighten it up:
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Opt for a lighter cheese variety or reduce the amount of cheese used.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for more nutrition.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will work too, but you’ll lose some of that delicious crunch.
Conclusion
Making your own Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is an exciting way to impress your loved ones with a delightful meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit any day of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you’ll find that creating this restaurant classic is not only possible but enjoyable.
Try this recipe and let its flavors take you straight to Longhorn Steakhouse without ever leaving your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Opt for quality chicken breasts for better texture and flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Feel free to use a lighter cheese variety.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Customize your coating with additional herbs and spices.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
For Assembly
- 1 cup marinara sauce You can experiment with alfredo sauce or pesto.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Reduce the amount for a lighter version.
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then pound them gently to an even thickness.
- In three shallow bowls, place the flour in the first bowl, whisk the eggs and water in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
Dredging and Baking
- Dip each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then coat in the egg mixture, allowing extra to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough coating on both sides.
- Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley.