Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

If you’re craving a delightful chicken dish that’s both crispy and cheesy, you’re in for a treat! Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory Parmesan crust, bringing that restaurant-quality experience straight to your kitchen. That’s exactly what Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option or a centerpiece for your next gathering.

Ingredients

To create the culinary magic of Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano or basil)
• Cooking oil (for frying, can use vegetable oil or olive oil)
• Fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Optional and substitution ideas:

• Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Swap out buttermilk with plain yogurt for a tangy taste.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the coating mix.

Timing

When you’re ready to create this mouthwatering dish, here’s how the timing breaks down:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 40 minutes

This timing can also provide a friendly reminder about how easy it can be to whip up a restaurant-style meal at home even on a busy weeknight!

How to Make Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Creating this culinary delight is as straightforward as it is satisfying.

Step 1: Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. Place them in a plastic bag or between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness, around 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Prepare your chicken for the buttermilk soak. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt, then add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor.

Step 3: Next, set up your dredging stations. In one shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and Italian herbs. In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, covering it completely. Make sure to shake off excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Now, coat the flour-dusted chicken in the egg wash, then press it into the Parmesan-panko mixture. Ensure the chicken is well-coated for that perfect crispy texture.

Step 6: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles upon contact.

Step 7: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 9: Garnish your crispy chicken with fresh parsley for a touch of color and serve hot!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to lighten up the dish, consider these ingredient swaps:

• Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
• Use air-frying methods instead of skillet frying. Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil and cook in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 375°F until golden and cooked through.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re watching your gluten intake.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready, think about how to plate it beautifully. Serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, also make for a vibrant side. For a hearty touch, consider whipped potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes. Pair with sparkling grape juice or a refreshing herbal iced tea for a delightful meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making this dish, keep in mind some common pitfalls:

• Not seasoning enough: Make sure the flour is well-seasoned. Without enough flavor in this step, the chicken might come out bland.
• Crowding the frying pan: Avoid placing too much chicken at once in the skillet, as it can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy coating instead of crispy.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on the temperature; overcooked chicken can become dry.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, that’s a win! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Keep the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for added protection.
• Reheating: To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through for a crispy texture, or microwave briefly if you’re in a hurry.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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• Author: mark-bennett
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delightful chicken dish featuring juicy breasts coated in a savory Parmesan crust, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Cooking oil (for frying)
• Fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts. Place them in a plastic bag or between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness, around 1/2 inch.
2. Prepare your chicken for the buttermilk soak. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt, then add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Set up your dredging stations. In one shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and Italian herbs. In a second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, covering it completely. Shake off excess flour.
5. Coat the flour-dusted chicken in the egg wash, then press it into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
6. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles.
7. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9. Garnish your crispy chicken with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

For gluten-free options, consider using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also bake the chicken at 400°F for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat, giving a juicier texture.

How can I make this dish spicy?

You can easily add heat by incorporating cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix or serving it with a spicy dipping sauce.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While marinating isn’t essential, it certainly enhances flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, you can skip that step but try not to!

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Think about serving it with a mixed green salad, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the crispy chicken.

Conclusion

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that not only brings comfort but also impresses with its flavor and texture. With its easy instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll find it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a try this week? Cooking at home can be fulfilling and delicious! After trying this recipe, you may want to explore other comforting chicken dishes to include in your weekly meal planning. Happy cooking!