Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Recreate the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe. Featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts marinated in a rich ranch blend, coated in a flavorful Parmesan herb crust, and topped with melted provolone and a creamy ranch-Parmesan spread, this dish is restaurant-quality comfort food. It’s perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a special dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp garden salad for a full, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Marinade:

½ cup olive oil
½ cup ranch dressing
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Ranch Spread:

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup ranch dressing

For the Parmesan Crumb Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.

2. Prepare the Ranch Spread

Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup ranch dressing in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Parmesan Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic salt, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.

4. Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven’s broiler to low (about 450°F / 232°C).
Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear chicken in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Assemble the Dish

Spread the ranch-Parmesan spread evenly on each chicken breast.
Top with shredded provolone cheese.
Sprinkle with the prepared Parmesan crumb topping.

6. Broil

Place skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and topping is golden brown.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~660 kcal
Protein: 39 g
Fat: 47 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 11 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg
Sodium: 2325 mg
Potassium: 599 mg
Vitamin A: 645 IU
Vitamin C: 2 mg
Calcium: 408 mg
Iron: 2 mg

Why This Dish Works So Well

What makes this dish truly shine is the contrast and complexity in its components:

Juicy, marinated chicken: The marinade includes olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. It not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with savory, zesty flavor.
Ranch-Parmesan spread: This adds a creamy, tangy layer that enhances both taste and texture. Ranch dressing delivers bold flavor, while Parmesan lends a sharp, salty richness.
Provolone cheese: Its smooth melt and mild flavor balance the bolder components. It also adds that satisfying “cheese pull” factor when served hot.
Crispy breadcrumb topping: The panko-Parmesan crust is toasted until golden, adding crunch and nutty depth. It creates a gratin-like finish that’s deeply satisfying.

This combination of crisp and creamy, tangy and savory, melted and crunchy is what elevates this dish beyond a basic chicken dinner. Each bite offers a full spectrum of textures and flavors.

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Every Time

If you’re preparing this dish at home, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure it turns out as close to restaurant quality as possible:

Marinate adequately: Marinating the chicken overnight gives it the most flavor and juiciness. Don’t cut corners here—the acid and fat in the marinade work together to tenderize and season the meat.
Use an oven-safe skillet: A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet lets you sear the chicken on the stove and finish it under the broiler without needing to transfer it to another dish.
Don’t skip the broil: Broiling is essential to achieving the golden-brown crust and melted cheese topping. Watch it closely—3 to 5 minutes is usually perfect, but every broiler is different.
Let the chicken rest before serving: This helps retain juices and ensures a better texture. Give it at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Keep an eye on salt: Between Parmesan, ranch, and Worcestershire, this dish is naturally high in sodium. Taste as you go and avoid over-salting.

What to Serve With Parmesan Chicken

This dish is flavorful and filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides brings the meal together beautifully. Consider the following:

Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes: Their mild flavor and creamy texture make a perfect contrast to the crispy topping.
Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a fresh, green balance to the dish’s richness.
Crisp salad: A simple Caesar or house salad with vinaigrette adds crunch and acidity to cleanse the palate.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls: For soaking up the cheesy, savory bits left on the plate.
Pasta or rice pilaf: A light pasta aglio e olio or herbed rice can extend the meal without overpowering the chicken.

The key is to serve sides that complement—not compete with—the main dish. Avoid anything too creamy or cheese-heavy, since the chicken already provides those notes.

Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Another reason this dish is popular for home cooking is that it’s meal-prep friendly. You can marinate the chicken a day or two ahead, prepare the ranch spread and crumb topping in advance, and store everything in the fridge until ready to cook.

If you end up with leftovers, they reheat surprisingly well:

Oven method (best): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Add a little foil tent over the top to prevent burning the crust.
Microwave method: It works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp. Use a microwave cover and reheat on medium power to avoid overcooking.

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Health Considerations and Nutrition Facts

This is not a “light” recipe, but it’s certainly more wholesome than many fast food alternatives. Each serving delivers around 660 calories, with 39 grams of protein—making it a high-protein, moderate-carb option.

However, keep in mind:

Sodium is relatively high, so it may not be ideal for those on a low-sodium diet.
Saturated fat content is notable due to cheese, butter, and ranch dressing.
Carbohydrates are moderate, mainly from breadcrumbs and dressing.

To lighten things up, you can:

Use light ranch dressing or a Greek yogurt-based alternative.
Opt for reduced-fat cheese.
Cut the amount of butter in the crumb topping or substitute with olive oil.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just want something satisfying for dinner, this Parmesan Chicken is a go-to recipe. It’s adaptable, easy to prepare, and reliably crowd-pleasing. You don’t need culinary training or fancy tools to pull it off—just some pantry staples, fresh chicken, and a little oven time.

Home cooks appreciate this recipe because it feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. And unlike some restaurant-style meals that fall flat when recreated at home, this one delivers every time. The flavor payoff is huge, and the process is surprisingly manageable, even for beginners.

Conclusion

The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe offers more than just a delicious meal—it brings the satisfaction of crafting a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. With layers of flavor, texture, and rich aroma, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages and tastes.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special family dinner, a casual date night, or just a solo treat-yourself evening, this recipe has all the makings of a signature home-cooked favorite. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent fixture in your weekly meal plan.

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