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This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe has become my absolute favorite way to make restaurant-style chicken at home. The combination of that crispy, cheesy coating with perfectly tender chicken inside is simply irresistible. It's a dish that brings that steakhouse magic right to your dinner table.
Golden Kitchen Secrets
What makes this recipe truly special is how it achieves that perfect golden crust while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy. The blend of fresh Parmesan and Italian seasonings creates layers of flavor that'll make you feel like a professional chef. Plus, it's much simpler to make than you might think.
Pantry to Plate Essentials
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless pieces, pounded evenly for perfect cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated for that authentic flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Eggs: 2 large, whisked with milk for the perfect coating.
- Flour: 1/2 cup for that crucial first layer.
- Mozzarella: 1 cup shredded for extra cheesy goodness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced for aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for that perfect sear.
Kitchen Choreography
- Set Your Stage
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly oil your baking dish.
- Create Your Stations
- Set up your flour, egg wash, and seasoned bread crumb mixture in separate dishes.
- Transform Your Chicken
- Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat in the cheesy bread crumb mixture.
- Golden Perfection
- Sear each piece until beautifully golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Crown with Cheese
- Top with your mozzarella-Parmesan blend and minced garlic.
- Finish with Flair
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F.
Chef's Success Secrets
Always start with fresh Parmesan cheese - it makes all the difference in flavor and melting. Pounding your chicken to even thickness ensures perfect cooking every time. If your cheese starts browning too quickly, tent with foil. And don't forget that crucial resting period after baking to lock in all those amazing juices.
Perfect Pairings
My favorite way to serve this is alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a bright Caesar salad. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up any cheese that melts onto the plate! A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio makes it feel extra special.
Fresh For Days
This chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use your oven rather than the microwave to maintain that crispy coating. If you're meal prepping, you can even freeze individual portions - just thaw overnight before reheating.
Creative Spins
Try chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or add sautéed spinach under the cheese for a delicious twist. Looking for some heat? Mix some red pepper flakes into your bread crumbs or try Pepper Jack cheese in your topping blend.
Kitchen Q&A
Want to prep ahead? Assemble everything up to baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For the crispiest coating, make sure your chicken is patted completely dry and your oil is nice and hot for searing. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated really does make a difference in both texture and taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why dredge in flour before egg?
- Flour helps the egg mixture stick better to the chicken, which in turn helps the breadcrumb coating adhere properly.
- → Why pan-fry before baking?
- Pan-frying creates a golden crust and seals in moisture before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.
- → Can I use Italian breadcrumbs?
- Yes, Italian breadcrumbs can be substituted for traditional ones for extra flavor.
- → How do I know when the chicken is done?
- Chicken should reach 165°F internally and be cooked through with no pink in the center.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete restaurant-style meal.