If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and tender chicken from your favorite steakhouse, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings that iconic, golden Parmesan crust right into your kitchen. Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, it’s a satisfying dish that tastes like it just came out of a restaurant—without the wait or the bill. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-quality at home: Enjoy the same crispy, flavorful Parmesan crust without leaving your kitchen.
Simple ingredients: Easily found basics come together for a sophisticated, delicious bite.
Ready in under 30 minutes: A perfect quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
Versatile and customizable: Adapt the seasonings or crust to suit your dietary preferences effortlessly.
Kid-friendly and family-approved: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that lend essential flavor and crunch to your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Each component plays its part to create a mouthwatering crust and juicy interior.

Chicken breasts: Skinless, boneless, and pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that sharp, nutty crust that melts to perfection.
Panko breadcrumbs: They add the perfect airy crunch that holds the cheese and seasoning together.
Garlic powder: Boosts flavor with a subtle savory punch.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs bringing a classic taste to the crust.
Salt and pepper: Basic, but essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Eggs: Helps the crust stick firmly to the chicken.
Olive oil or butter: Used for frying to develop that golden brown, crispy outside.

Variations for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe! With easy swaps and tweaks, you can make this dish your own without losing any of the deliciousness.

Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick.
Herb twist: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for a woodsy aroma.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
Cheese variations: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or Asiago for a richer, creamier crust.
Oven-baked: For a lighter version, bake the crusted chicken at 400°F until crispy and cooked through.

How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook quickly and stay juicy without drying out. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of water. In another, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even layer that adheres well.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden and chicken is cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to seal in juices. Serve hot with your choice of sides and garnishes for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Even thickness: Pounding chicken ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt and brown as well as freshly grated.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if needed to maintain crispiness and even browning.
Monitor heat: Too high will burn the crust, too low will make it soggy—medium heat is ideal.
Use a thermometer: Check internal temperature for safely cooked chicken without overcooking.

How to Serve Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chopped chives add a pop of color and a bright herbaceous note that complements the rich, crispy crust beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad to balance textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and arrange on a platter with lemon wedges for a gourmet touch, or serve atop a bed of creamy risotto or pasta for an indulgent meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crispness.

Freezing

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to crisp up the crust again, avoiding the microwave which can make it soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and tend to be juicier, though cooking time may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The classic version uses panko breadcrumbs which contain gluten, but you can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safe alternative.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at 400°F on a greased baking sheet until golden and cooked through is a lighter option that still yields a crispy crust.

How do I make the crust extra crunchy?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and panko, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salads, or creamy pasta dishes all pair wonderfully with the crispy Parmesan chicken.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is like inviting your favorite restaurant meal into your home kitchen. Simple ingredients combined with straightforward, approachable steps create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers every time. Go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich cheese flavor that everyone will be asking for again and again!

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Print Recipe

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly crispy, golden Parmesan crust around tender, juicy chicken breasts. Made with simple, fresh ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Whether fried or oven-baked, this versatile dish is kid-friendly, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying or Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be gluten-free with substitutions

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to ½ inch thickness
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Breading Mixture

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh chopped rosemary or thyme as variation)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water (optional, to loosen the eggs)

For Cooking

2–3 tablespoons olive oil or butter for frying (or use for greasing baking sheet if baking)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch for uniform cooking and tenderness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of water. In another shallow bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful crust mixture.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating that sticks well.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, for a lighter option, bake the chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to seal in juices. Serve hot with your preferred sides and garnishes.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and avoid dryness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and crust texture.
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain crispiness.
Maintain medium heat to prevent burning or sogginess of crust.
Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
For extra crunch, add crushed red pepper flakes to breadcrumb mixture or mix in shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese.
Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, Copycat Longhorn chicken, crispy chicken breast, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe, quick chicken recipe