If you’re craving a delicious and comforting meal, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a dish that delivers on all fronts. With crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs, this dish offers an irresistible crunch and a burst of savory flavor. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s a delightful twist on traditional chicken Parmesan that’s simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests. The combination of rich cheese, tender chicken, and tangy marinara sauce creates a harmonious balance that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, a side salad, or some crusty bread, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home. So, preheat your oven, get ready to dip and coat, and indulge in this delightful take on a classic Italian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without too much effort.

2. Crispy and Flavorful

The Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs create a crispy, golden crust on the chicken that’s full of flavor, while the melted mozzarella and marinara sauce add a comforting, gooey finish.

3. Family-Friendly

This dish is a hit with all ages. Kids love the cheesy, crispy chicken, and adults appreciate the rich and satisfying flavors.

4. Customizable

You can easily make this recipe your own by experimenting with different types of cheese, marinara sauces, or adding extra seasonings to the breading for additional flavor.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

The chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or a dinner party.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Italian bread crumbs
Melted butter
Marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: Mix dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning into the bread crumbs for added flavor.
Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella for provolone or add a mix of cheeses such as cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist on this dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Crumb Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs. This will create the flavorful, crispy coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken breasts in the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese

Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Parmesan chicken with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For an extra crispy crust, double dip the chicken in the butter and bread crumb mixture before baking.
Make sure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if necessary.
Use fresh marinara sauce for the best flavor, or opt for your favorite store-bought version.
If you prefer a thicker coating, increase the amount of Parmesan and bread crumbs.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure the juices redistribute for a moist result.

How to Serve

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. You can also serve it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a lighter option, try serving the chicken with steamed broccoli or a fresh vegetable medley. The creamy marinara sauce and melted mozzarella make this dish a comforting and satisfying choice for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, it’s best to reheat the chicken in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the chicken with the breading and freeze. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. To freeze after baking, store the fully cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For a faster option, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the coating crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

2. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.

3. Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and check that your marinara sauce is free of gluten.

5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

6. Can I bake the chicken without butter?

While butter adds richness and helps the breading stick, you can substitute with olive oil or a butter substitute if needed.

7. Can I use a store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine. Choose your favorite brand for convenience and flavor.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken before or after baking. Just be sure to store it properly to avoid freezer burn.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the breading is golden brown.

10. Can I add other toppings to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the best of Italian flavors with a simple and easy preparation method. With crispy, Parmesan-coated chicken topped with tangy marinara and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, it’s a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether served with pasta, salad, or garlic bread, it’s the perfect way to bring a taste of the steakhouse into your home.