This Longhorn-style Parmesan-crusted chicken is a top-10 chicken dish in my house!
The crispy, cheesy topping paired with juicy, well-seasoned chicken is what does the trick.
One of the biggest things to focus on is getting the topping just right. A quick broil at the end helps create that golden finish without drying it out.
Using a mix of Parmesan and Provolone gives the topping a balanced richness.
It stretches beautifully and adds a smooth contrast to the sharper bite of Parmesan.
For an extra boost, add a little garlic butter under the topping before broiling. Super delish!
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
This helps them tenderize and become juicy.
Step 2:
Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 4:
Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer them to a baking dish lined with foil.
Step 5:
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated parmesan.
Spread this mixture evenly over the seared chicken.
Press panko crumbs onto the mixture to form the crust.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crispy.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Marinating for Success
Marinating your chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making it more flavorful and delicious.
Searing Techniques
Achieve a perfect sear by not overcrowding the pan; this avoids steaming instead of browning the chicken.
Crust Perfection
Press the panko crumbs firmly onto the chicken to create an even and crunchy crust.
Alternative Cheeses
If you love extra cheesiness, feel free to mix in a bit of mozzarella with the parmesan for a gooier crust.
Oven Placement
Place your baking dish in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution and consistent cooking.
What to Serve with Longhorn Crusted Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Classic Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with a comforting side of classic mashed potatoes.
Their creamy texture complements the crispy crust of the chicken perfectly.
Add a touch of butter and garlic to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a fresh and bright side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken.
It’s light and doesn’t compete with the flavors of the Parmesan crust.
A squeeze of lemon can enhance the asparagus if you’re feeling fancy!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For something a bit different, give roasted Brussels sprouts a try.
They offer a nutty and slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Add some chopped bacon to the sprouts if you want to add more complexity to your meal.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a unique side that brings a sweet and creamy dimension to your plate.
Its vibrant color and rich flavors can shine alongside the Parmesan-crusted chicken.
This dish is ideal if you’re looking to impress with something unexpected and comforting.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a fresh and easy side that won’t weigh you down.
With juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, it’s a refreshing counterpoint.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a bit of tang that works well with the cheese on the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Variations
You can switch up the cheese by using gouda or mozzarella for a different taste.
Each of these cheeses melts beautifully!
Spice It Up
For those who like a hint of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.
A drizzle of hot sauce over the crust can add some heat as well.
Low-Carb Option
Trim down on carbs by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
It’ll give the dish a nutty flavor that pairs well with Parmesan.
Herb Changes
You could also change the herbs used in the seasoning mix.
Try oregano or thyme if you’re looking to add more depth to the dish.
Chicken Alternatives
If you’re not into chicken breast, you might want to consider using chicken thighs.
They can provide more juiciness and flavor, making for a delicious alternative.
How to Store Leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken
You won’t want to waste any of this delicious Parmesan crusted chicken!
When you’re ready to store leftovers, always begin by allowing the chicken to cool to room temperature.
This will help to ensure the texture remains just right.
Storing in the Fridge
Place the chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Stored this way, it can last up to 3-5 days in the fridge.
It’s good practice to label the container with the date, so you don’t lose track!
Freezer Storage Option
For longer storage, wrap the chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
You can store them this way for up to 4 months without losing flavor!
Keeping Your Crust Crispy
A little tip: when placing the chicken in storage, avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other.
Separating them with parchment can help keep that crust crispy and intact.
Enjoy your flavorful Parmesan chicken any day with these simple storage tips!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
When you overcook the chicken, it ends up dry and tough.
Using a meat thermometer is vital, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)!
Skipping the Marinade
Skipping the marinade can result in bland chicken which you definitely want to avoid.
Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and makes it juicy. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Uneven Thickness
If the chicken breasts aren’t an even thickness, they’ll cook unevenly.
Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about 1/2-inch thick. This small step makes a huge difference!

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese softened
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- This helps them tenderize and become juicy.
- Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer them to a baking dish lined with foil.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and grated parmesan.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the seared chicken.
- Press panko crumbs onto the mixture to form the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crispy.
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