If you love bold flavors paired with a satisfyingly crispy crust, you’re going to be totally smitten with this Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. The golden, cheesy coating packed with garlic and Italian herbs wraps tender, juicy chicken breasts in a perfect balance of crunchy and savory that’s downright irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish effortlessly elevates your meal with its rich layers of flavor and comforting texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe a breeze to prepare, while each element plays a crucial role in building the dish’s gorgeous flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect bite-sized tenderness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that’s essential to the crust’s unmistakable flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide extra crunch and structure for that beautiful golden coating.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the crust with savory warmth and depth.
- Onion powder: Subtly enhances the aromatic profile without overpowering.
- Dried parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note and appealing color contrast.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Eggs: Act as the glue, helping the crust ingredients adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- Olive oil and butter: Create a rich, golden sear before baking for crispiness and flavor complexity.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish to visually and flavorfully lift the dish.
How to Make Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crust Mixture
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfectly cooked chicken. In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This blend is the heart of the crust, packed with layers of herbs and cheesy goodness ready to coat each chicken breast beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, making sure they’re fully covered. Then press each piece into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides generously and evenly. This step is crucial because it creates that delicious, crispy texture you’ll love—and it helps lock in the juices for a tender interior.
Step 3: Sear for Golden Perfection
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This quick sear forms a beautiful golden crust and starts the cooking process while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
Step 4: Bake Until Juicy and Cooked Through
Transfer your seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This finish in the oven ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains moist beneath that irresistible crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the crust is still crisp and the chicken piping hot.
How to Serve Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet impactful garnish that complements the bold, savory crust with a bright, herbal freshness. You can also add a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top if you want to introduce a bit of zesty contrast that brightens the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, creamy risotto or roasted vegetables bring comforting textures that harmonize with the crunchy, flavorful chicken crust.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken breasts into medallions and arranging them over a bed of sautéed spinach or angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for a sweet tangy finish that elevates the whole plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing to maintain the texture of the crust.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months, making it perfect for quick meals when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To keep the crust crispy when reheating, bake the chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes rather than microwaving. This method warms the chicken through while preserving the delicious crunch and tenderness you loved in the first place.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, though the cooking time may need slight adjustment to ensure they cook through properly.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and double-check all seasoning ingredients for gluten content.
Can I prepare the coated chicken ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. However, avoid coating too far ahead to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that offers a different but still delicious sharp, salty flavor if you want to switch things up.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is best—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe and juicy without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because of its incredible flavor and simple preparation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms everyday chicken breasts into a special meal worth sharing. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs, seared to golden perfection in a skillet, and finished in the oven to ensure a tender and flavorful meal. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish is an easy yet impressive option for dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Crust Mixture
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Cooking
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful crust coating.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then press each chicken breast into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides evenly to form a crispy crust when cooked.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Searing the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps keep the crust crispy when baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
