Ingredients for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
- For the sauce (optional):
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness for even cooking. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly.
- Set up the dredging station: In three shallow bowls, set up your dredging station:
- In the first bowl, place the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- In the third bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, and additional salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure a good coating.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer to the oven: After browning the chicken, transfer the cooked breasts to the prepared baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and the crust is crispy.
- Serve: If using marinara sauce, heat it in a small saucepan while the chicken is baking. Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil, if desired.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Large skillet
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Tips for Making the Best Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Pound the chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness before breading. This ensures that it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide a more robust flavor than pre-grated cheese. The texture is also superior when using fresh cheese.
- Don’t skip the seasonings: Season each step of the dredging process (flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture) to enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Bake for extra crispiness: Baking the chicken after frying not only ensures that it cooks through but also helps maintain the crispy coating.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch.
Storage and Leftovers
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken can be stored and reheated with ease:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Pairing Suggestions
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider these options:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken beautifully.
- Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide a fresh, healthy contrast.
- Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
- Garlic bread: Serve with garlic bread for a heartier meal, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Pasta: Pair the chicken with a side of pasta, drizzled with olive oil and herbs or tossed in marinara sauce.