Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is one of the most beloved menu items—tender, juicy chicken topped with a rich, buttery Parmesan crust that melts into every bite. This copycat recipe captures all the bold flavor, creamy texture, and steakhouse-style comfort of the original while staying simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The seasoning blend infuses the chicken with savory depth, and the buttery breadcrumb-Parmesan topping adds that irresistible restaurant-quality finish. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or want to impress guests with a steakhouse-style dinner at home, this Parmesan Chicken delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
You’ll love this recipe because it tastes just like the restaurant version—but fresher, juicier, and more customizable. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tender chicken and a golden, slightly crispy Parmesan crust. It pairs effortlessly with pasta, mashed potatoes, salads, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile dinner choice. Additionally, the ingredients are simple, the prep is quick, and the flavor payoff is huge.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you enjoy restaurant-quality meals without the restaurant prices, this dish is absolutely worth making. The creamy topping melts beautifully, the seasonings bring warm depth, and the chicken stays incredibly juicy. Since the recipe requires minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for busy evenings, special gatherings, or meal-prepping flavorful proteins for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
● 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 teaspoon garlic powder
● 1 teaspoon paprika
● ½ teaspoon onion powder
● ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust:
● ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
● ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
● ¼ cup mayonnaise
● 2 tablespoons softened butter
● 1 tablespoon sour cream
● ½ teaspoon lemon juice
● ½ teaspoon garlic powder
● ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
● Pinch of salt and pepper
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and brush lightly with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.
2. Season Generously
Combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken.
3. Sear for Added Flavor
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken piece for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
4. Transfer and Bake
Place the seared chicken on a lined baking pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
5. Make the Parmesan Crust
In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, mayonnaise, butter, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and well-blended.
6. Add the Topping
Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the baked chicken breasts.
7. Broil Until Golden
Switch the oven to BROIL. Place the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the topping bubbles and turns golden.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and helps the topping set perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 425
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Tips for the Best Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Pound the chicken slightly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip searing—it enhances both color and flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest taste.
- Broil only until golden to prevent burning.
- Add a touch of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for light crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.
- Double the topping layer for extra richness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.
Variations & Substitutions
● Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the crust.
● Keto Version: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds.
● Herb Lover’s Version: Add fresh basil or parsley to the topping.
● Garlic-Parmesan Crust: Increase garlic powder for bolder flavor.
● Lemon-Parmesan Chicken: Add extra lemon zest for brightness.
● Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes before adding the crust.
● Mozzarella Melt: Add mozzarella under the Parmesan layer.
● Low-Fat Option: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt.
What to Serve With Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
● Garlic mashed potatoes
● Loaded baked potatoes
● Caesar salad
● Roasted broccoli or asparagus
● Buttered noodles
● Creamy Alfredo pasta
● Steamed green beans
● Warm dinner rolls
For a full steakhouse-style meal, pair it with a fresh salad and a hearty starch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Overcooking the chicken
● Using pre-shredded Parmesan (it doesn’t melt as well)
● Skipping the broil step
● Not drying the chicken before seasoning
● Using too much lemon—just a little goes a long way
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven or microwave in short increments to keep it moist.
To Maintain the Crust: Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. The buttery Parmesan crust melts beautifully, the chicken stays juicy, and the entire recipe comes together with very little effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this copycat favorite always impresses.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, but adjust the cooking time.
- Can I make it without searing? Yes, though searing adds flavor.
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan? Fresh gives better texture.
- Can I prep this ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Use vegan mayo and vegan Parmesan.
- Can I substitute Greek yogurt? Yes, replace sour cream with yogurt.
- Can I make it spicier? Add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Is broiling necessary? For the crust—yes.
- How do I keep it juicy? Don’t overbake and let it rest.
- Can I double the recipe? Easily—use a larger baking tray.