This Parmesan Chicken is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s baked to perfection and served hot, making every bite delightful!
You’ll love how simple it is to make this dish at home. I enjoy pairing it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a meal that feels special, even on a busy night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, thinly sliced chicken thighs could work well too; they stay moist and tender when cooked.
Cheeses: I love the mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for that creamy and cheesy filling. If you can’t find fresh Parmesan, pre-grated works in a pinch, but freshly grated has a better flavor. No mozzarella? Try provolone or even a mild cheddar!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor, but plain breadcrumbs mixed with dried herbs could be a smart substitute. For a gluten-free option, use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Eggs and Milk: The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re vegan, swap these out for a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or unsweetened applesauce for binding.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken may seem tricky, but there are some tips to ensure it’s juicy and locked in flavor:
- Always use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Butterflying the chicken allows even cooking and creates space for the cheese filling.
- Let it rest after baking. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist chicken.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Crispy Coating?
For a golden, crispy coating, follow these steps:
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly in the egg mixture, ensuring all surfaces are wet.
- Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This ensures they stick well during baking.
- Don’t skip pre-cooking in the skillet! This step adds to the crispiness before finishing in the oven.
These tips and insights will help you create a tasty and satisfying meal. Enjoy making your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken!
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Coating:
- 1 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Binding:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
For Cooking:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes total, including cooking time. You’ll have perfectly cooked, cheesy chicken ready to serve in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and helps it to get that nice crispy texture you want.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix them well and set aside.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor to the coating!
4. Butterfly the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally almost all the way through to create a pocket—like opening a book. This is where you’ll stuff the cheese.
5. Stuff the Chicken:
Evenly distribute the cheese mixture inside each butterflied chicken breast. Make sure it’s well-filled for that cheesy goodness!
6. Seal the Chicken:
Close the chicken breast back up and press down gently to seal it. This helps keep the cheese inside while cooking!
7. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg mixture first, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick well. This gives you that satisfying crunch!
8. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
9. Bake the Chicken:
Once browned, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted inside.
10. Let it Rest:
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices from running out when you cut into it.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your Parmesan Chicken with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy with a side of fresh greens or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before starting. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results. Pat them dry before proceeding to avoid excess moisture when breading.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can use provolone or even a mild cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Parmesan Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it on a low setting, covering it to retain moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts, coat them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a convenient weeknight dinner; just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.