If you’re craving a hearty Italian-American classic with a Longhorn Steakhouse twist, our Chicken Parmesan recipe hits the spot. This dish combines tender breaded chicken topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, delivering bold flavors that satisfy every time.
We love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to our kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Chicken Parmesan is a winner.
Let’s dive into making this comforting favorite that balances crispy, cheesy, and savory elements perfectly. With our guide, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal that’s just as memorable as dining out.
Ingredients
To recreate the iconic Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan, we need to gather a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the crispy, cheesy, and savory experience we love.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), pounded to an even thickness
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
For Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
| Ingredient Group | Key Ingredients | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless skinless chicken breasts | Even thickness ensures uniform cooking |
| Breading | Flour, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs | Parmesan and spices add bold flavor |
| Sauce | Marinara, garlic, olive oil | Fresh garlic and herbs enhance aroma |
| Garnish | Mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh herbs | Adds melted cheese richness and freshness |
Equipment Needed
To prepare the Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan perfectly, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps ensure precise cooking and consistent results. Here is a detailed list of what we use for this recipe:
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
For trimming and pounding the boneless skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness. Precision here ensures the chicken cooks uniformly.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
We use this to pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This step helps tenderize the meat and allows even breading.
- Three Shallow Bowls or Plates
One for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. This setup streamlines the breading process.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal to brown the chicken evenly in oil. We recommend a non-stick or cast iron skillet for best results.
- Tongs or Spatula
To flip the chicken gently without disrupting the breading.
- Baking Dish (Oven-safe)
For assembling the chicken with marinara and cheese before finishing in the oven. A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements of flour, spices, and cheese ensure balanced flavor.
- Oven
To melt the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and finish the cooking process.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting board & sharp knife | Trim and prepare chicken breasts |
| Meat mallet or rolling pin | Pound chicken to even thickness |
| Three shallow bowls | Organize flour, eggs, breadcrumbs for breading |
| Skillet or frying pan | Brown chicken uniformly |
| Tongs or spatula | Flip chicken carefully |
| Baking dish (9×13 inch) | Bake chicken with sauce and cheese |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Oven | Finish cooking and melt cheese |
By organizing our kitchen with this specific equipment, we achieve the signature crispy crust and evenly melted cheese characteristic of the Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan. Having everything within reach also keeps the cooking flow smooth and efficient.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan perfectly every time. We’ll guide you through prepping, breading, cooking, assembling, and finishing this delicious dish.
Prep the Chicken
- Trim 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts of excess fat.
- Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken evenly to about ½ inch thickness.
- This ensures uniform cooking and tender results.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls:
| Bowl # | Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 cup all-purpose flour | Dry coating |
| 2 | 2 large eggs, beaten | Egg wash binding |
| 3 | 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs | Crispy outer crust |
- Season flour lightly with salt and pepper.
- Beat eggs thoroughly for consistent coating.
- Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for that iconic bold flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg wash, fully coating the chicken.
- Press into the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, covering all sides evenly.
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil.
- Cook 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
Make the Parmesan Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- This rich sauce will infuse the dish with aromatic Italian flavors.
Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared Parmesan sauce on the bottom.
- Place cooked chicken breasts on top.
- Spoon additional sauce over each breast generously.
- Top each piece with:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Final Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end — watch carefully!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To complement the Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan, we recommend serving it alongside classic Italian sides that enhance its rich flavors and crispy texture. Here are our top suggestions for a balanced and satisfying meal:
Pair with Pasta or Risotto
For a traditional experience, serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne tossed lightly in olive oil and garlic. Alternatively, creamy risotto with Parmesan and fresh herbs pairs beautifully to add a luxurious texture.
Add Fresh Vegetables
Incorporate steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a vibrant arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Garlic Bread or Artisan Rolls
Crispy garlic bread or warm artisan rolls with herb butter allow you to soak up the extra marinara sauce. These sides enhance the meal’s heartiness and offer extra comfort appeal.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
To elevate the dining experience, we suggest serving this dish with a glass of medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese. These Italian reds complement the tomato sauce’s acidity and the cheese’s creamy texture.
Serving Ideas at a Glance
| Side Dish | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti Aglio e Olio | Pasta tossed with garlic and olive oil | Light base to highlight chicken |
| Parmesan Risotto | Creamy Arborio rice with Parmesan cheese | Adds richness and smooth texture |
| Steamed Broccoli | Fresh vegetable lightly steamed | Balances flavors with freshness |
| Garlic Bread | Crispy bread with garlic and herb butter | Perfect for soaking sauce |
| Arugula Salad | Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette | Adds brightness and crunch |
| Chianti or Sangiovese | Medium-bodied Italian red wine | Enhances flavor with acidity |
Presentation Tips
- Slice the Chicken Parmesan diagonally for an elegant presentation that reveals the melted cheese and rich sauce layers.
- Garnish plates with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
- Serve in warm plates to keep the dish hot and inviting throughout the meal.
By combining these Serving Suggestions with the iconic flavors of the Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan, we create a memorable dining experience full of texture, flavor, and balance.
Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy our Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan Recipe with maximum convenience and flavor, planning ahead is key. Here are detailed make-ahead strategies to keep your dish fresh and delicious without sacrificing texture or taste.
1. Prepare and Store the Breaded Chicken
- After trimming and pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, complete the breading process (flour, egg wash, Italian breadcrumbs).
- Lay the breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined tray to avoid sticking.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- This hold time allows the coating to set, ensuring a crispier crust when pan-fried.
2. Sauce and Cheese Assembly
- Prepare the rich Parmesan marinara sauce and cool it completely.
- In an airtight container, store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness.
3. Partial Assembly
For smoother dinner preparation, assemble the Chicken Parmesan without baking.
- In a baking dish, layer the breaded and cooked chicken with sauce and cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge to ensure even heating.
4. Freezing Instructions
If you want to store for longer periods, use these freezing tips:
| Component | Preparation Method | Storage Duration | Thawing Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaded Chicken (uncooked) | Arrange breaded pieces on tray then freeze individually | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in fridge |
| Fully Assembled Dish | Assemble completely, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then bake |
| Marinara Sauce | Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe container | Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge overnight |
Pro Tip: Label containers with preparation date for easy reference.
5. Reheating for Best Results
- If reheating a previously baked or assembled dish, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispier top, remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
By following these make-ahead tips, we ensure that our Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan maintains its signature crispy crust, rich sauce, and melted cheesy goodness—even when prepared ahead.
Conclusion
Bringing the Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Parmesan into our kitchens lets us enjoy a restaurant-quality meal anytime. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or special occasions.
By mastering the balance of crispy chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese, we create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether served with classic sides or paired with the right wine, it’s a flavorful experience worth sharing.
With a little prep and the right tools, making this iconic favorite at home becomes simple and satisfying every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Chicken Parmesan?
You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, flour, eggs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, fresh garlic, herbs, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and spices like salt and pepper.
How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dryness.
What equipment is essential for making Chicken Parmesan?
Key equipment includes a cutting board, sharp knife, meat mallet or rolling pin, shallow bowls for breading, a large skillet for frying, and a baking dish for assembling the dish.
How do I make the Parmesan sauce for the dish?
Simmer marinara sauce with fresh garlic, herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for topping the chicken.
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and partially assemble the dish in advance, store it in the fridge or freezer, and then bake it when ready. Reheat carefully to keep the crust crispy.
What are good side dishes to serve with Chicken Parmesan?
Classic Italian sides like pasta, risotto, fresh steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or artisan rolls pair wonderfully with Chicken Parmesan.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Parmesan?
Medium-bodied Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan perfectly.
How do I get the chicken coating crispy and the cheese melted well?
Fry the breaded chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown, then bake the assembled dish with sauce and cheese until bubbly and golden for the perfect texture.