Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the same flavors you love from Longhorn Steakhouse without leaving your house.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding herbs, swapping cheeses, or pairing with your favorite sides.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, crispy topping makes this a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing (for marinating)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness. Place them in a bowl or resealable bag with the Italian salad dressing, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and sear each breast for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Prepare the Parmesan-Ranch Spread: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese with the ranch dressing. Mix until smooth.
4. Apply the Spread and Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, spread the Parmesan-ranch mixture evenly over each breast. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each.
5. Broil the Chicken: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish if your skillet isn’t oven-proof. Broil on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Prepare the Parmesan Crumb Topping: While the chicken is under the broiler, mix the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
7. Add the Crumb Topping: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan crumb mixture evenly over each piece. Return to the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Around 25 minutes.
• Total Time: About 40 minutes.

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade or breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère to alter the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispy crust, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal due to their mild flavor and ease of preparation.

Can I use a different marinade?

Yes, while Italian dressing is recommended for its tangy flavor, you can substitute it with your preferred marinade.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in juices and adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the chicken directly. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I prepare the Parmesan crust mixture in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the flavors nicely.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, wrap the cooked chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can serve as alternatives, though the texture may

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