Indulging in Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones. This comforting dish features succulent chicken breasts crowned with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy restaurant-style recipe that can transform your kitchen into a cozy steakhouse, making it ideal for celebrations or a cozy family dinner. With its enticing blend of cheese, herbs, and a touch of garlic, every bite is a savory delight. Pair this delectable chicken with your favorite sides, and watch everyone at your table smile with satisfaction!

Why It’s Great

This Parmesan Chicken recipe shines for multiple reasons. First, the chicken breasts are tender and juicy, enhanced beautifully by a creamy sauce that’s loaded with flavor. The addition of Parmesan cheese gives it a lovely depth that elevates the dish, making each bite rich and satisfying. Furthermore, it’s a versatile entrée that complements various sides—from hearty pasta to crisp veggies—ensuring it will impress your family and guests while keeping the cooking effort minimal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This step helps in even cooking.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Grab three shallow dishes. In the first one, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until well combined. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty and crispy coating.
3. Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet, covering them generously.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked (with an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the sauce will be bubbling deliciously.
7. Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish your chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot alongside your favorite sides and get ready to enjoy!

Storing and Preserving

If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until it’s warm throughout, or you can use a microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results!

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

1. Soggy Coating: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Cooking in oil that’s too cool can result in a soggy coating that doesn’t have the crispy bite you want.
2. Overcooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This way, you avoid dry chicken.
3. Too Much Sauce: If your sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Uneven Browning: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken may cook unevenly. Fry in batches if necessary to give each piece adequate space.
5. Flavor Issues: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture and sauce according to your taste preference. A little more salt or pepper can go a long way!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts; just make sure they are cooked to the proper internal temperature to ensure safety.
2. What can I serve with Parmesan chicken?
   This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as pasta, steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, preparing the sauce in advance is a great idea! Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
4. How can I make this dish lighter?
   If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using less heavy cream and substituting it with milk or a lighter cream alternative. You can also minimize the amount of cheese used.
5. Can I bake the chicken without frying it first?
   Yes, you can skip the frying step and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven, although the texture may differ slightly without the initial frying step.