If you’re a fan of the crispy, savory, and perfectly seasoned dishes served at Longhorn Steakhouse, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. The golden, crispy crust made from Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs offers a delightful crunch, while the creamy, flavorful coating of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of heat from hot sauce ensures that each bite is both rich and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

What makes this recipe stand out is its blend of textures—the tender, juicy chicken breast paired with the crispy, cheesy crust is truly irresistible. Plus, it takes just about 40-45 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste. With a handful of pantry staples and some simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to recreate it at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a showstopper that perfectly balances rich, creamy, and crunchy flavors. The crust is a wonderful combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying crispness. The unique mayonnaise-based coating adds moisture while enhancing the flavor profile with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little hot sauce. Plus, the chicken stays juicy and tender on the inside while achieving a beautifully golden brown exterior. It’s a quick, easy, and mouthwatering dish that works for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

The recipe is also versatile and can be adapted to fit your tastes. You can serve it with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring that it complements any meal. Additionally, it’s a great dish for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumbs
Melted butter
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce
Salt and pepper

Variations

There are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences:

Add Garlic Powder or Onion Powder

If you love extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for an added depth of taste.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Extra Crispy Crust

For a super crispy crust, you can pan-fry the chicken in a bit of oil before baking it. This will create an even crunchier texture.

Herb Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or thyme, for a variation in flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil after baking adds a fresh touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s the right temperature for baking the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan-Breadcrumb Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix them together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Mayo Coating

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. Then, coat the chicken with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: To ensure even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating them.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in moisture and prevent the juices from running out.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can be a bit drier and won’t melt as well.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How to Serve

Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans. For a classic comfort food combination, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving it with a side of sautéed spinach or a crisp cucumber salad. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon over the top can add an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust.

Freezing

You can freeze the Parmesan Crusted Chicken before baking. Once coated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken while maintaining its crispy texture, place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?

Yes, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a combination of cream cheese and olive oil as a substitute for mayonnaise.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated for a quick meal.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture for extra heat.

6. Can I bake the chicken without butter?

The butter helps to create a crispy, golden crust, but you can substitute it with olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.

7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

8. Can I use other types of cheese?

While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

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

10. Can I pan-fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can pan-fry the chicken before baking for an extra crispy texture. Just be sure to finish baking it to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will bring the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your table. With its crunchy, golden crust and tender, juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and simple to execute. With the right combination of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and savor every bite!