If you’ve ever dined at LongHorn Steakhouse, you know their famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a must-try. The dish features a juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast topped with a crispy, cheesy crust, making it an all-time favorite. But what if you could enjoy this restaurant-style meal at home?

This Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a step-by-step guide to recreating the iconic dish in your own kitchen. From selecting the best ingredients to achieving the perfect crispy topping, this recipe covers it all.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this homemade Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken will become a go-to meal for your family.

What Makes Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Special?

The secret to LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken lies in its unique combination of flavors and textures:

✅ Juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast – Marinated with garlic, butter, and savory herbs.
✅ A creamy, flavorful ranch-based sauce – Infuses the chicken with richness and depth.
✅ A crispy Parmesan crust – A perfect blend of Parmesan, Provolone, and breadcrumbs.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special culinary skills—just follow this Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe step by step!

The Secret to LongHorn’s Parmesan Crust

The parmesan crust is what makes LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken stand out. This crispy topping is made with:

• Parmesan cheese – For that classic nutty, salty taste.
• Provolone cheese – Adds a smooth, melty texture.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Creates a golden, crunchy crust.
• Garlic butter – Enhances the overall depth of flavor.

The final step—broiling the chicken—is essential. It melts the cheese and crisps up the crust, creating that signature LongHorn texture.

Essential Ingredients for Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken Breast

To make the best Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you need to start with high-quality chicken:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each).
• Select thicker breasts for a juicier result.
• If the chicken is too thick, pound it evenly to ensure even cooking.

Parmesan Crust Ingredients

For the perfect crispy parmesan topping, you’ll need:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Provolone cheese
• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Special Sauce Ingredients

This creamy, garlicky sauce is a key component of Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

This savory sauce acts as the base for the crispy cheese crust, giving the dish its signature flavor.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed for Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To make LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home, you’ll need:

✅ A meat mallet – To pound the chicken evenly.
✅ A cast-iron or non-stick skillet – For searing the chicken.
✅ A baking sheet with parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
✅ A broiler or oven with broil setting – Essential for melting the cheese and crisping the crust.

Substitutes for Ingredients in Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you need to make adjustments, here are some alternative options:

• Cheese Substitutes: Replace Provolone with Mozzarella or Parmesan with Asiago.
• Breadcrumbs Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese and use vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Where to Buy the Best Ingredients for Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For authentic restaurant-quality flavors, shop for high-quality ingredients:

• Local Grocery Stores – Most ingredients can be found at Walmart, Kroger, or Whole Foods.
• Cheese Shops – For authentic Parmesan and Provolone, visit a specialty cheese counter.
• Online Stores – Order aged Parmesan, Provolone, or Panko breadcrumbs from Amazon or Instacart.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to recreate the famous Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home with flawless results.

Final Thoughts on Making Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that you know the secret ingredients and kitchen tools, you’re one step closer to making the best Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.This homemade version of LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers the same restaurant-quality flavors, but at a fraction of the cost.

How to Make Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and preparation, it’s time to cook! This section provides a step-by-step guide to making Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.

From seasoning the chicken to achieving the perfect crispy parmesan crust, we’ll walk through each stage of the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepping the Chicken

The first step to making Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is properly preparing the chicken breast.

How to Prepare Chicken for the Best Texture

✅ Trim any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
✅ Pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet.
✅ Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this ensures better seasoning absorption.
✅ Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in a mix of buttermilk and seasonings for extra tenderness!

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken Breast

Best Techniques for Juicy Chicken

The secret to LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. You can cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in an air fryer.

Stovetop Method (Recommended for Best Flavor)

🔥 Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
🍗 Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
🌡️ Check for internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Oven Method (Great for Hands-Free Cooking)

🔥 Preheat your oven to 375°F.
🍗 Place chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
🌡️ Check for doneness at 165°F internal temperature.

Air Fryer Method (Crispy & Quick)

🔥 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
🍗 Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
🌡️ Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

💡 Pro Tip: No matter the method, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before adding the crust. This keeps it juicy!

Step 3: Making the Parmesan Crust

The Parmesan crust is what makes Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken so iconic.

How to Make the Crispy Topping

🥣 In a bowl, mix:
✅ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✅ ½ cup shredded Provolone cheese
✅ ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
✅ 1 tablespoon melted butter
✅ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✅ ½ teaspoon dried oregano

💡 Pro Tip: Want extra crispiness? Toast the Panko breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing.

Step 4: Preparing the Special Ranch Sauce

Before adding the crust, we need to coat the chicken in a creamy sauce. This helps the cheese topping stick and adds extra flavor.

How to Make the Signature Sauce

🥄 Mix together:
✅ ¼ cup ranch dressing
✅ 2 tablespoons melted butter
✅ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
✅ ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
✅ ¼ teaspoon paprika

🧑‍🍳 Brush the sauce generously over the chicken breasts before applying the cheese topping.

Step 5: Layering Everything Together

Now, it’s time to assemble your Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

1️⃣ Brush each chicken breast with the prepared ranch butter sauce.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the Parmesan crust mixture evenly over each piece.
3️⃣ Lightly press the cheese and breadcrumbs into the chicken so they adhere.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overpack the crust—too much topping can cause uneven melting.

Step 6: Broiling for the Perfect Crust

🔥 Set your oven to broil on high.
🍗 Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
👀 Keep a close eye! The cheese topping can burn quickly.

✅ Final Step: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips for Preventing Dry Chicken

🔹 Use a meat thermometer – The key to juicy chicken is cooking it to 165°F, no more, no less.
🔹 Let it rest – Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
🔹 Avoid over-searing – High heat can dry out the exterior too quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skipping the pounding step – Uneven chicken leads to uneven cooking.
🚫 Using pre-grated Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better.
🚫 Overcooking – Dry chicken ruins the dish! Always check the internal temp.

Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Preferences

Keto-Friendly Version

✅ Use crushed pork rinds instead of Panko.
✅ Swap ranch dressing for a low-carb version.

Gluten-Free Version

✅ Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.

Dairy-Free Version

✅ Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
✅ Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Final Thoughts on Cooking Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll enjoy tender, flavorful chicken topped with a crispy, golden parmesan crust—just like at LongHorn Steakhouse!

Serving, Storage, and Variations of Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that you’ve mastered the cooking process, it’s time to explore the best ways to serve, store, and modify this Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.

In this section, we’ll cover:
✅ The best side dishes to pair with your chicken
✅ How to store leftovers properly without losing flavor
✅ Creative recipe variations for different tastes and dietary preferences

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To make this dish a complete meal, pair it with delicious restaurant-style side dishes.

Classic Sides (LongHorn Style)

🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A creamy, buttery complement.
🥦 Steamed Broccoli – A healthy, crunchy side.
🍞 Texas Toast or Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich chicken.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Sides

🥑 Cauliflower Mash – A keto alternative to mashed potatoes.
🥒 Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – Light and refreshing.
🥗 Avocado and Cucumber Salad – Fresh, healthy, and full of flavor.

Hearty Sides for a Full Meal

🍚 Parmesan Rice Pilaf – Enhances the cheesy flavors.
🌽 Creamed Corn – A sweet, savory side that balances the dish.
🥔 Loaded Baked Potatoes – A comforting and indulgent option.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon to your side dishes for a touch of acidity that enhances the rich flavors of the parmesan-crusted chicken.

Recommended Sauces and Condiments

If you love dipping sauces, try these delicious sauce options:

🔥 Spicy Buffalo Ranch – Adds a little heat to balance the creamy crust.
🍯 Honey Mustard – A tangy-sweet contrast.
🧄 Garlic Butter Sauce – A simple yet flavorful drizzle.
🍋 Lemon Herb Aioli – A fresh, zesty pairing.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want extra creaminess, drizzle some warm ranch dressing over the chicken before serving.

How to Store Leftovers Properly

To keep your Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken fresh, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

🥡 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat using an oven, stovetop, or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

❄️ Freeze chicken without the parmesan crust for best results.
📦 Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
⏳ Stays fresh for up to 3 months.

💡 Pro Tip: If freezing, store the cheese topping separately and add it fresh when reheating.

Reheating Without Losing Texture

To keep the chicken crispy and juicy, avoid using a microwave, which can make it soggy.

🔥 Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F.
2️⃣ Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes.

🍳 Stovetop Method (Quick & Effective)
1️⃣ Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add a small amount of butter or oil.
3️⃣ Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, covering the pan slightly.

🌬️ Air Fryer Method (Fast & Crispy)
1️⃣ Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2️⃣ Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

💡 Pro Tip: If the crust looks dry, brush a little melted butter over the top before reheating.

Turning It Into a Meal Prep Option

Want to make Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in advance? Here’s how:

✅ Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
✅ Pre-cook the chicken and store it without the cheese topping.
✅ Reheat and add the parmesan crust right before serving.

This method saves time while still ensuring maximum flavor and crispiness.

Creative Recipe Variations

Looking for different ways to enjoy this recipe? Try these delicious variations:

Stuffed Parmesan Crusted Chicken

🔹 Slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
🔹 Stuff with spinach, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
🔹 Follow the same crust and broiling method.

Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

🌶️ Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
🔥 Drizzle with hot sauce or sriracha ranch before serving.

Low-Carb Parmesan Crusted Chicken

🥑 Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
🍗 Serve over zoodles or mashed cauliflower.

Buffalo Parmesan Crusted Chicken

🐔 Toss the cooked chicken in Buffalo sauce before adding the cheese topping.
🧄 Pair with a side of cool ranch dressing.

💡 Pro Tip: These variations let you customize the dish to suit different taste preferences!

Making a Healthier Version of LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Want to make this dish lighter without losing flavor? Here’s how:

✅ Use grilled chicken instead of pan-frying.
✅ Reduce butter and replace with Greek yogurt ranch sauce.
✅ Swap Panko for whole wheat breadcrumbs for more fiber.
✅ Use light Provolone and Parmesan to cut down on fat.

💡 Pro Tip: These changes lower the calories and fat content while keeping the dish delicious!

Copycat vs. Restaurant Version – Taste Test

How does this homemade version compare to LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

🍗 Restaurant Version
✔️ Always cooked perfectly
✔️ Rich, buttery, cheesy topping
❌ More calories and higher sodium

🏡 Homemade Version
✔️ Customizable to taste
✔️ Healthier and cheaper than eating out
✔️ Fresher ingredients with no preservatives

💡 Pro Tip: Many people say the homemade version tastes just as good—if not better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier, but they may need extra cooking time.

2. What’s the best cheese substitute for Provolone?

Mozzarella or Swiss cheese work well.

3.Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! Cook the chicken in advance and add the topping when reheating.

4. How do I prevent the crust from falling off?

Press the cheese and breadcrumb mix firmly onto the chicken before broiling.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter.

6. What’s the best way to make this extra crispy?

Toast the Panko breadcrumbs before adding them.

7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes—just replace the Panko with crushed pork rinds.

8. Can I double the recipe for a large family?

Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the pan.

9. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking.

10. How do I store leftovers without them getting soggy?

Keep them in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Final Thoughts on Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This homemade Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the perfect restaurant-style meal made easy.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy, juicy, and cheesy Parmesan-crusted chicken anytime—without the restaurant price!🍽️ Ready to impress your family with this dish? Give it a shot and tell us how it goes!