This Parmesan chicken is juicy and crispy, covered in a delicious cheesy crust. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy without the fuss!
I love making this when I want to impress dinner guests while still keeping it simple. Pair it with some veggies, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy. Cheers to tasty dinners! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too! They tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a rich flavor and texture. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can add a nice cheesy taste, especially for a dairy-free option.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko creates a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have Panko, regular bread crumbs will work, but they won’t be as airy. You can even crush up some crackers or chips for a fun twist!
Heavy Cream: This adds a yummy richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used, but it’ll change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Cook the Chicken So It’s Juicy and Crispy?
The key to getting juicy and crispy chicken is in the cooking method! Start with even thickness—pound the chicken breasts lightly if they’re uneven. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season well with salt and pepper before breading for great flavor.
- Use a medium heat to avoid burning the crust while cooking it through. Aim for a nice golden color.
- Once breaded and browned, finish cooking in the oven with the heavy cream. This keeps the chicken moist.
- Let the dish rest after baking, letting the juices redistribute, which adds to the juiciness.
Trust me; following these tips will lead to a chicken that’s both deliciously crispy and perfectly juicy!
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked green beans and mashed potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of cooking time in the oven. So, in total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to bring this tasty Parmesan chicken to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly. While that’s heating up, it’s time to set up your breading stations! In one shallow dish, add the flour; in another, whisk the eggs; and in a third, mix together the grated Parmesan, Panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Season and Bread the Chicken:
Next, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Dredge each piece in flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip them in the egg wash. Finally, coat them well with the seasoned Parmesan and bread crumb mixture. This will give your chicken that lovely crispy coating!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
4. Add Cream and Bake:
Once the chicken is golden, take the skillet off the heat. Pour the heavy cream evenly around the chicken in the skillet. This will create a lovely creamy sauce as it bakes!
Now transfer the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
5. Finish and Serve:
After baking, take the skillet out of the oven and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the sauce until it melts and becomes smooth. Garnish your chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like cooked green beans and creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy this delightful Parmesan chicken, just like at Longhorn Steakhouse!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. Just be mindful that they might take a couple of extra minutes to cook through, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, try nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese to maintain that cheesy flavor, though the taste will vary slightly.
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This Parmesan chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. You can also serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
