Indulge in the irresistible flavors of restaurant-style cooking right in your own kitchen with this Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken! This dish takes tender, juicy chicken breasts and wraps them in a golden, crispy Parmesan-cheese crust that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory Italian seasoning — just like you’d enjoy at your favorite steakhouse, but way easier and much more affordable. Whether you’re planning a special family dinner or craving comfort food that impresses, this recipe delivers big-flavor results in about 45 minutes. From the first golden bite to the last cheesy shred, get ready for a classic that’s destined to become a weeknight favorite

Why You’ll Love It

This Longhorn-Style Parmesan Chicken is the perfect balance between comfort food and restaurant-quality flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. The chicken stays incredibly juicy on the inside while developing a golden, crispy Parmesan crust on the outside, giving you that satisfying contrast of textures in every bite.

One of the biggest reasons people love this recipe is its reliability. It doesn’t require deep frying, complicated techniques, or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything comes together using simple pantry staples, yet the final result tastes like something you’d order at a steakhouse. The creamy, cheesy topping paired with the crispy chicken creates layers of flavor that feel rich and comforting without being overwhelming.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the seasoning, switch up the cheese blend, or make it lighter or richer depending on your preferences. It’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those dishes people come back to again and again.

Ingredients + Tips

The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Try to use evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. If your chicken breasts are thick, slicing them horizontally or lightly pounding them helps ensure even cooking and prevents dryness.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and won’t give you the same crisp, golden crust. Parmesan adds both saltiness and nuttiness, which is essential to the flavor profile.

Breadcrumbs or Panko
Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs. If you want an extra-crispy finish, panko is the better choice.

Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella brings creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results to avoid excess liquid.

Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds depth and gives the chicken that classic Italian-inspired flavor.

Garlic & Butter
Garlic adds aromatic warmth, while butter helps the coating brown beautifully and enhances richness.

Tips for Success

• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking dish; proper spacing helps achieve a crispy crust.

• Use a meat thermometer if possible. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).

Steps (Crispy Chicken & Sauce)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential for building flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, then brush this mixture over the chicken breasts. Press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure it adheres well.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Place the coated chicken on a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan. Bake until the coating turns golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through. This step allows the crust to crisp up without burning.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Remove the chicken from the oven and top each piece with mozzarella cheese. Return it to the oven just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. For extra color, you can briefly broil it, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on taste or dietary needs.

Spicy Parmesan Chicken
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick of heat.

Creamy Sauce Version
Serve the chicken with a side of creamy garlic sauce or Alfredo for an extra indulgent twist.

Low-Carb Option
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.

Air Fryer Method
Cook the breaded chicken in the air fryer for a faster, extra-crispy result. Finish with cheese and melt it just before serving.

Herb-Forward Version
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking to brighten the flavors and add freshness.

Storage & Reheating

This Parmesan Chicken stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze without the cheese topping and add fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating Tips

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.

• Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

• An air fryer is an excellent option for reheating while keeping the crust crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete meal.

• Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a classic comfort-food combo.

• Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

• For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.

• It also works wonderfully sliced over pasta with a light marinara or cream sauce.

• Longhorn-Style Parmesan Chicken

  Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, topped with melty mozzarella for a restaurant-style dinner made easy at home.

  Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 45 minutes

  Course: Main CourseCuisine: American / Italian-InspiredServings: 4Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

  Print Recipe

  Ingredients Method

  Ingredients

    

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

  Method

   

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  4. Combine melted butter with minced garlic. Brush mixture over each chicken breast.
  5. Press chicken firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  6. Place chicken in prepared baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until nearly cooked through.
  7. Remove from oven and top each piece with mozzarella cheese.
  8. Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra golden color.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Final Thoughts

This Longhorn-Style Parmesan Chicken is proof that you don’t need a restaurant reservation to enjoy bold, comforting flavors at their best. With its crispy Parmesan crust, juicy chicken, and melty cheese topping, it delivers everything people love about classic steakhouse dishes — right from your own kitchen. What makes this recipe truly special is how approachable it is. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to a comforting homemade dinner, this recipe fits the moment. It’s elegant enough to feel special, yet easy enough to become part of your regular dinner rotation. The ability to customize it with different seasonings, cheeses, or cooking methods makes it endlessly adaptable, so it never gets boring.

Perhaps the best part is how satisfying it feels to recreate a restaurant favorite at home. You control the quality of the ingredients, the portion sizes, and the flavors — all while saving time and money. This dish has a way of bringing people together around the table, sparking compliments and requests for seconds.

Once you try this Parmesan Chicken, it’s likely to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. It’s comforting, flavorful, and reliable — the kind of recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want something that feels both familiar and special. If you’re looking for a go-to chicken dish that delivers big on taste without unnecessary fuss, this one truly checks all the boxes.