Longhorn Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Longhorn Style Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of the most popular copycat recipes for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without the cost of dining out. This dish delivers a perfect balance of juicy pan-fried chicken, a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb coating, and a rich, silky garlic cream sauce layered on top. The result is a flavorful, satisfying, high-protein dinner that appeals to both families and food lovers looking for gourmet flavor made with simple ingredients. Its combination of crisp texture, melted cheese, and creamy sauce makes it an ideal recipe for search-friendly keywords like “easy chicken dinner,” “copycat recipes,” “Parmesan chicken,” and “creamy chicken dishes,” helping boost traffic and ad revenue.

This recipe is easy to follow, flexible, and ideal for weeknight meals or special occasions. With minimal prep and simple techniques, anyone can create a homemade dish that tastes just like the restaurant classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden crust with tender, juicy chicken
• Perfect restaurant-style texture and flavor
• Easy-to-follow step-by-step method
• Family-friendly and ideal for weeknight dinners
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Customizable with herbs, cheeses, or seasoning blends
• Includes a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce for added flavor
• Great for meal prep and reheating
• Naturally high in protein and satisfying

Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base; pounding them evenly helps them cook uniformly and stay tender.
• Buttermilk – Used for marinating to tenderize and keep the chicken juicy; substitute with milk + lemon juice if needed.
• Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch and restaurant-style texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Used in both the crust and sauce for salty, savory, nutty flavor.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper create a balanced flavor blend for the chicken.
• Olive Oil and Butter – Combined for frying to achieve a golden crust without burning.
• Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the garlic cream sauce, adding richness and a velvety finish.
• Chicken Broth – Adds flavor and thins the sauce so it’s not overly heavy.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan (for topping) – Melt under the broiler to create Longhorn’s signature cheesy crust.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds color and freshness to brighten the rich dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Pound the chicken evenly to prevent dry spots and ensure consistent cooking.
• Marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes dramatically boosts tenderness.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest coating.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet during frying; cook in batches if necessary.
• Allow the chicken to rest briefly before topping with cheese to keep the crust intact.
• Simmer the sauce gently; avoid boiling to maintain smooth texture.
• Broil the cheese topping only until golden to prevent burning.

Variations and Customizations

Flavor Enhancements

• Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.
• Mix fresh herbs such as basil or thyme into the sauce for added depth.
• Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.

Cheese Variations

• Replace mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer melt.
• Add asiago or romano to the breadcrumb mix for sharper flavor.

Sauce Modifications

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for acidity and aroma.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra texture.

Protein Alternatives

• Use turkey cutlets or thin pork chops in place of chicken.
• Make a vegetarian version with breaded cauliflower steaks.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Buttered noodles or fettuccine
• Caesar salad
• Parmesan rice pilaf

Drink Pairings

• Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Unsweetened iced tea
• Light-bodied beers

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep sauce stored separately to maintain crispiness of the chicken.
• Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to keep it crunchy.
• Reheat sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth if it thickens too much.
• Freeze chicken without toppings for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Popular Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Yes, but panko gives a much better crunch and more restaurant-style coating.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

No. However, you can add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.