Do you crave the crunchy, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Well, I’m here to help you make it right in your kitchen! This dish combines simple ingredients like chicken, Parmesan, and crispy panko for a delightful meal. In this article, I’ll share easy steps to recreate this restaurant favorite at home. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this tasty delight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Coating
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Additional Ingredients
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
You need good chicken for this dish. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Freshly grated Parmesan adds rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch.
For seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika work well together. They add depth to the chicken. The flour helps the egg stick. Eggs are crucial for binding the breadcrumbs. The olive oil gives a golden color and a crisp outer layer.
Don’t forget the parsley! It adds color and a fresh taste. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a great meal. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can find the full recipe for precise amounts and steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or oil.
Start by getting your oven nice and hot. Preheating it is key for even cooking. Next, grab a baking sheet. Lining it with parchment paper helps your chicken not stick. If you don’t have parchment, lightly oil the sheet. This way, your chicken will come off easily.
Breading Station Setup
– Combine Parmesan, panko, and seasonings in one bowl.
– Place flour, eggs, and crumb mixture in separate shallow dishes.
Now, let’s set up our breading station. Take a shallow bowl and mix together the grated Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds great flavor and crunch. In three separate shallow dishes, put the flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and the crumb mixture in the last. This setup makes it easy to coat your chicken.
Coating the Chicken
– Coat chicken in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally press into crumb mixture.
– Ensure chicken is well-coated on both sides.
Take your chicken breasts and first coat them in flour. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs. This helps the crumbs stick. Finally, press the chicken into the crumb mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated on both sides. This is what gives it that crunchy, cheesy goodness!
Cooking the Chicken
– Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
– Brown chicken on each side (3-4 minutes).
– Transfer skillet to oven; bake until fully cooked.
Now, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add your chicken. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and crispy. After browning, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake it for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This step is crucial for safe eating! Enjoy your homemade Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Delight.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Crispiness
To make your chicken truly crispy, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Using fresh Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs makes a big difference. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. This step helps achieve that golden brown crust we all love.
Presentation Suggestions
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. It makes your dish look more appealing and fresh. You can also drizzle a balsamic reduction over the chicken. This not only enhances the look but also adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken.
Side Dish Recommendations
Pair your chicken with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Asparagus and Brussels sprouts work well and add great flavor. A fresh side salad also complements the chicken nicely. The crispness of the salad contrasts well with the tender chicken, making every bite enjoyable.
Variations
Chicken Alternatives
You can switch things up with turkey cutlets or thin pork chops. Both options offer unique flavors. Turkey cutlets are lean and tasty. Thin pork chops bring a rich, juicy bite. Each choice keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix. These herbs bring a lovely aroma and taste. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in cayenne pepper. It gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
For a delicious twist, serve your chicken with homemade marinara sauce for dipping. The sauce complements the crispy crust well. You can also pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. These sides make the meal hearty and satisfying.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Parmesan crusted chicken, let it cool completely. This step is key. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its flavor and moisture.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for the best results. This method keeps the chicken crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just remember, it may lose some crispiness this way.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze cooked chicken if you have extra. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Wrap the chicken tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This keeps the texture nice when you reheat it.
FAQs
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
To get that extra crunch, use fresh panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Also, make sure your oil is hot before cooking. This helps the chicken brown well. I love using olive oil for its rich flavor. You can also spray a bit of oil on top of the chicken before baking. This gives it that golden crust we all love.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko. However, the texture will be different. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and denser. This might make the chicken less crispy. If you want the same crunch, panko is the best choice. It absorbs less oil, which helps keep the coating light and airy.
What temperature should the chicken reach when cooked?
The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It’s important to check this, so you avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. You can bread it and then store it in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the flavors to blend. Just be careful not to leave it too long, as the coating might get soggy. When you’re ready, just cook it as directed in the recipe.
How to adjust the recipe for more servings?
To make more servings, simply scale up the ingredients. For every two chicken breasts, double the amount of cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Keep an eye on cooking time. You might need to cook in batches or use more than one skillet. Check the internal temperature to ensure all pieces are cooked through.
Full Recipe
For the complete list of ingredients and detailed steps, refer to the full recipe.
This blog post provided a clear guide to making crispy baked chicken. We covered the main ingredients, such as chicken, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting crispiness, and delicious variations. Remember, using fresh ingredients is key. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or flavors based on your taste. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe can adapt and satisfy. Enjoy creating your crispy chicken masterpiece!
