Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s both comforting and impressive, but without leaving your home? Look no further than this incredible Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe. This dish captures the essence of a beloved steakhouse classic, bringing rich, savory flavors and a delightful texture right to your dinner table. Forget the drive, the wait, and the bill – with this recipe, you can recreate that memorable dining experience with ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.
The beauty of this Parmesan Chicken lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy breading, then topped with a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender chicken, a satisfying crunch, and a smooth, cheesy finish. It’s a dish that appeals to nearly everyone, making it perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to something special.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While it stands strong on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Imagine it alongside a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh, crisp garden salad. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your meal to your specific tastes and dietary preferences. And for those with dietary restrictions, rest assured that this version of the recipe is free from alcohol, pork products, and lard, ensuring it’s accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Let’s dive into how you can bring this exquisite dish to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final outcome, so choose fresh whenever possible.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), pounded to an even 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs (or Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your magnificent Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. Patience and attention to detail will be rewarded with a truly spectacular meal.
Preparing the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three separate shallow dishes.
- Dish 1: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Dish 2: Whisk the eggs until lightly beaten.
- Dish 3: In this dish, combine the breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Bread the Chicken: Take one pounded chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides. Repeat this process for all remaining chicken breasts.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For an extra crispy crust that holds up well during cooking, place the breaded chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere more firmly.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, add 4-6 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a sprinkle of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately when dropped in.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully place 2-3 breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm while you prepare the remaining chicken and the sauce. You can place them in a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) if desired.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Make a Roux: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms and cooks slightly. This will help thicken your sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually Add Milk: Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so taste before adding too much. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling and Serving
- Plate the Chicken: Arrange the crispy cooked chicken breasts on individual serving plates.
- Spoon the Sauce: Generously spoon the warm, creamy Parmesan sauce over each chicken breast.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese for an appealing finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Tips for Success
- Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a superior flavor and texture to your sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying chicken in batches ensures that the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much, leading to crispier results. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of frying it.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: If you’re making the sauce ahead of time or need to keep it warm, do so over very low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, a little extra milk can bring it back to the right consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of both the breading mixture and the sauce to suit your preferences.
What to Serve with Your Parmesan Chicken
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing. The rich sauce complements fluffy mashed potatoes beautifully.
- Garlic Butter Noodles: Simple, quick, and a perfect vehicle for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a mix of roasted root vegetables add a healthy and colorful element to your plate.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: A savory rice pilaf can be a fantastic alternative to potatoes or noodles.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible Parmesan sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about replicating a restaurant dish; it’s about creating a memorable meal experience in your own home. Here’s why this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of crispy seasoned chicken and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible.
- Satisfying and Comforting: This dish provides a comforting warmth that makes it perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a special celebration.
- Impressive Yet Achievable: While it looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, the steps are straightforward and manageable for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spices in the breading or the thickness of the sauce to your personal preference.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are generally appealing to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both adults and children.
- Diet-Friendly Adaptation: This version is specifically designed to be free of alcohol, pork products, and lard, making it suitable for various dietary needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing the taste of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken into your home is a rewarding experience. This recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction, promising a meal that will leave everyone at your table delighted. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly exceptional dish. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and most importantly, relish every single bite of your homemade culinary masterpiece!