Juicy Parmesan Chicken Like Longhorn Steakhouse

There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly cooked, golden-brown chicken breast topped with a rich, cheesy parmesan crust. Imagine sinking your fork into a juicy, tender piece of chicken that bursts with flavor, reminiscent of your favorite Longhorn Steakhouse entrée. This Juicy Parmesan Chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend family gathering, or even a special occasion where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The inspiration for this dish comes from a long-standing love of restaurant-style meals that can be recreated at home. While enjoying a night out, I always admired how perfectly seasoned and tender their chicken dishes were, especially when paired with a crisp, golden parmesan topping. This recipe brings that same indulgent experience right to your kitchen, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that ensure your chicken comes out juicy every time.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. If they are thick, carefully slice them in half horizontally to create an even thickness, about ½ inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.

2. Set up your breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

3. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks to the chicken. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process.

4. Preheat your skillet: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil gives the chicken a golden, flavorful crust without burning the Parmesan.

5. Cook the chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts carefully into the hot skillet. Cook for 4–6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks to maintain a crisp coating.

6. Optional oven finish: For thicker breasts, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes to ensure the inside is fully cooked while keeping the outside crispy.

7. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad, for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Juicy Parmesan Chicken

• Even thickness matters: Slicing thicker chicken breasts in half horizontally ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.

• Fresh Parmesan vs. pre-grated: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded cheese, enhancing both flavor and texture.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a golden crust rather than steaming the chicken.

• Resting is key: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking prevents the juices from escaping and keeps the meat tender.

• Customize the seasoning: Add dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combo.

• Serve with roasted vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots, for a light and healthy side.

• For a low-carb option, try serving the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles.

• Drizzle a bit of homemade tomato sauce over the top for a twist on chicken parmesan without breading the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Juicy Parmesan Chicken recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The Parmesan and breadcrumb coating creates a crisp, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken inside. The combination of garlic, onion powder, and paprika adds depth to the flavor, giving each bite a satisfying, savory profile reminiscent of a restaurant experience.

Unlike some recipes that require hours of preparation or complicated sauces, this version is straightforward yet incredibly flavorful. It’s a perfect example of restaurant-quality cooking made accessible at home, allowing you to enjoy indulgent dishes without stress or complicated steps.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

• Leftovers: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 1g

This makes it a high-protein, satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Adjust portion sizes or sides to suit your dietary preferences or needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be slightly more forgiving during cooking because they retain moisture better, making them even juicier and more tender. If you decide to use thighs, keep in mind that their cooking time may be a little shorter than thick chicken breasts. Depending on the size, check the internal temperature after 10–12 minutes of cooking; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Using thighs also gives the dish a richer flavor and slightly more succulent texture, which can be especially satisfying if you’re serving this chicken for a family dinner or special occasion.

2. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a fantastic way to make this recipe a bit lighter while still achieving a golden, crispy exterior. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken on the sheet, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure both sides are crisp and golden. Baking also frees up your stovetop, making it easier to prepare side dishes simultaneously. For extra crispiness, you can spray a little cooking oil over the chicken before baking.

3. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
The key to keeping the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating intact is proper preparation and handling. First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dipping it into the egg wash. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly. After dipping in the egg mixture, press the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken. For an extra secure coating, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb process. When cooking, avoid moving the chicken too much in the pan, as excessive flipping or shifting can cause the coating to come off. Following these tips will give you a beautifully crispy crust that stays in place.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is easy to adapt for a gluten-free diet. Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, which are widely available in most grocery stores. The Parmesan cheese provides plenty of flavor and crispiness, so your chicken will still have that delicious, golden crust even without traditional breadcrumbs. Additionally, check that any seasoning blends or pre-mixed spices you use are gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets dietary needs. Gluten-free Parmesan chicken is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort meal without the gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Parmesan Chicken is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s an experience. The golden crust, tender interior, and savory flavors bring restaurant-quality indulgence to your table. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate that classic Longhorn Steakhouse chicken at home, impress your guests, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Try it tonight and discover why this chicken has become a favorite in home kitchens everywhere.

Juicy Parmesan Chicken Like Longhorn Steakhouse

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Juicy Parmesan Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. With a golden, crispy Parmesan crust and tender, flavorful chicken inside, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion. Inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse, this recipe brings that same indulgent flavor straight to your kitchen using simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally if they are thick, about ½ inch, to ensure even cooking.

• In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

• Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently for the coating to stick. For extra crunch, double-dip.

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Place the breaded chicken in the skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much.

• For thicker breasts, transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake 10–12 minutes to finish cooking.

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Slice chicken to even thickness to prevent dryness.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and crispiness.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a golden crust.

• Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

• Optional: add dried Italian herbs or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Michelle Davis