Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delectable dish that brings the flavors of the popular restaurant right into your home. This recipe features a crispy, cheese-laden crust atop juicy and perfectly cooked chicken breasts, offering a savory and satisfying experience that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of a rich marinade, creamy ranch spread, and a savory Parmesan crumb topping creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both impressive and easy to prepare. Let's dive into the detailed ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible.
Ingredients
Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to the crust and the ranch spread.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture to the Parmesan crust.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Butter helps to moisten the breadcrumb mixture, allowing it to form a crispy crust when baked.
- 1 cup shredded provolone: Provolone melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer to the chicken.
Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil: Olive oil is the base of the marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- ½ cup bottled ranch dressing: Ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the marinade.
- 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the marinade.
- 1 tsp vinegar: Vinegar provides a slight tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and helps to tenderize the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Garlic infuses the marinade with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Pepper adds a touch of heat to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor.
Ranch Spread:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the spread.
- ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing: Combines with the Parmesan to create a creamy, tangy spread.
Parmesan Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: Panko provides a light, crispy texture to the topping.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Garlic salt enhances the flavor with a hint of garlic and necessary seasoning.
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the crumb topping.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Helps to bind the crumbs together and create a golden, crispy crust.
With these carefully selected ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken that will impress your family and guests. Next, we’ll go through the detailed instructions to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade: ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup bottled ranch dressing, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix well to combine. Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight. Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken breasts.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Grill the chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Prepare Ranch Spread
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup grated Parmesan and ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing. Mix until well blended and set aside. This creamy, tangy spread adds a delightful layer of flavor to the chicken.
Step 4: Prepare Parmesan Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix together ½ cup panko bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Ensure the crumbs are evenly moistened. This mixture will create a crispy, golden topping for the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Preheat your oven broiler on high. Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to an oven-safe casserole dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ranch spread on each chicken breast. Top with shredded provolone cheese, then sprinkle the Parmesan crumb topping evenly over each piece. Place the dish under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and the crumb topping turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning. Broiling the chicken with the cheese and crumb topping adds a rich, melty, and crispy finish to the dish.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the dish from the oven and serve the Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot. Pair it with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the combination of juicy chicken, creamy ranch spread, and crispy Parmesan crust.
With these steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken ready to impress your family and friends. Next, we’ll cover some serving and storage tips, along with variations and helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it also stores well for future meals. Here are some tips to help you serve and store this delicious dish:
- Serving: Serve the Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The rich flavors of the chicken complement a variety of sides, making it a versatile main course for any meal. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness and flavor of the dish.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent the crust from drying out. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method helps retain the crispiness of the crust.
Helpful Notes and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken and make it your own:
- Cheese Options: While provolone and Parmesan are used in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- Breadcrumb Variations: For a different texture and flavor, try using seasoned Italian breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the flavor by adding toppings such as crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken before broiling.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or ranch spread for a spicy kick.
Renowned chef Gordon Ramsay once said, "Cooking is about creating something delicious for someone else." This Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe embodies that sentiment, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.