This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a savory and cheesy dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. With tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and bread crumb crust, topped with a delicious blend of mozzarella and garlic, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
INGREDIENTS
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4, the main protein in the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, divided, adds a rich and nutty flavor to the chicken coating and topping.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, melted over the chicken for a creamy and cheesy finish.
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, used to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup, helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Large Eggs: 2, beaten with milk to create a binding agent for the bread crumb coating.
- Milk: 1/4 cup, combined with eggs for a smooth coating mixture.
- Minced Garlic: 2 cloves, mixed with cheese to add a burst of flavor.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, adds an aromatic herb blend to the bread crumb mixture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, seasons the chicken and enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, adds a subtle kick to the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Step 2:
- In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Step 3:
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs together with the milk. This egg mixture will help the bread crumbs adhere to the chicken breasts.
- Step 4:
- Place the all-purpose flour in a third shallow dish. This will be the first step in coating the chicken, helping the egg mixture stick to the surface.
- Step 5:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This ensures a light, even coating that will hold the egg mixture.
- Step 6:
- Dip the floured chicken breasts into the egg mixture, coating them completely. Then, press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Step 7:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This will give the chicken a crispy exterior while locking in the juices.
- Step 8:
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. This dish will go into the oven for finishing.
- Step 9:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the shredded mozzarella cheese and minced garlic. This cheesy mixture will melt over the chicken, adding a delicious topping.
- Step 10:
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Make sure each piece is generously covered for the best flavor.
- Step 11:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Step 12:
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Parmesan Chicken immediately after baking to enjoy the cheesy topping at its best.
- Pair this dish with garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy coating.
- For an extra crispy coating, consider double dipping the chicken in the egg mixture and bread crumbs before cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Helpful Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor; pre-grated cheese can be too dry and not as flavorful.
- To make the dish even more indulgent, add a layer of marinara sauce under the cheese topping for a Chicken Parmesan twist.
- If you're short on time, you can skip the browning step and bake the chicken directly in the oven, though the coating may not be as crispy.
- Quotes: "This Parmesan Chicken is restaurant-quality, made right at home!"
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Giada recommends using a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a more complex flavor profile.
- Chef Gordon suggests pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Chef Ina advises letting the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying, which helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier finish.