Delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

 

Quick Overview

If you’re craving a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make at home, look no further than this Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe. This delightful meal captures the essence of the beloved restaurant favorite right in your kitchen. With its golden-brown crust and juicy interior, this recipe is bound to impress your family and friends. The crunchy parmesan coating combined with tender chicken makes every bite a taste of heaven.

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breasts

For this recipe, you’ll need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing around 1 pound total. They should be pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. Choosing high-quality chicken will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Use about 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese for the coating. Freshly grated cheese offers a richer taste compared to pre-packaged versions. It creates a deliciously crispy layer that adds depth to each bite of chicken.

Bread Crumbs

Opt for ½ cup of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs provide the necessary texture and crunch to the crust. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising flavor.

Eggs

You’ll need one large egg for the egg wash. Beating the egg helps bind the breadcrumbs and cheese to the chicken. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust.

Garlic Powder

Incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into your breading mixture. Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor profile and complements the parmesan nicely. Its aroma will fill your kitchen as it cooks.

Italian Seasoning

A teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. This seasoning not only boosts flavor but also gives your dish an authentic Italian touch.

Salt and Pepper

Season with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out all the other flavors in your dish. Adjust these according to your personal preference.

Step By Step Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe

Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean surface or countertop. Ensure everything is pre-measured before you begin cooking; this organization will streamline your cooking process and make it more enjoyable.

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A properly heated oven ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop that irresistible crispy coating while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Pound The Chicken Breasts

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them until they are about ½ inch thick. This step helps tenderize the meat and allows it to cook thoroughly in less time.

Prepare The Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with beaten egg, another with breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and a third bowl for plain flour (optional). Dipping in flour first can help adhere the egg mixture better if desired.

Coat The Chicken Breasts

Take one pounded chicken breast and first dip it into the flour (if using), then into the beaten egg until fully coated, letting excess drip off before moving it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so that the coating adheres well before placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake The Chicken

Once all pieces are coated in breadcrumbs and placed on the baking sheet, bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking at this temperature ensures a perfectly cooked center while achieving that golden-brown exterior.

Broil For Extra Crispiness

If you desire an extra crispy finish, switch on broil mode during the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly under high heat—just enough time to achieve that perfect crunch!

Let It Rest Before Serving

After removing from the oven, let your Parmesan crusted chicken rest for about five minutes before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout each piece ensuring moistness upon cutting into them later.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serve With Sides

Pair your Parmesan crusted chicken with fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside pasta or risotto for a heartier option that complements its rich flavors beautifully.

Store Leftovers Properly

Any leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer without compromising texture too much consider wrapping each piece individually before placing them together within one bigger container.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat leftovers effectively without drying them out use either conventional oven at low heat or microwave briefly covered with damp paper towel just until warmed through—both methods preserve moisture while preventing toughness from overcooking again!

By following these steps closely along with our ingredient breakdown you’ll create a scrumptious dinner inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse right in your own kitchen! Enjoy sharing plenty of smiles around this flavorful meal tonight!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe is not seasoning the chicken properly. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before applying the crust. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.

Another mistake is using stale or low-quality breadcrumbs. Fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs give the best crunch and flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, consider making your own from day-old bread.

Failing to preheat your oven is another issue. The chicken needs to cook evenly, and starting with a hot oven helps achieve that crispy crust while keeping the meat juicy.

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. When you place too many pieces of chicken on the pan, they steam instead of bake. This can lead to soggy crusts rather than the desired crispiness.

Lastly, avoid using too much oil when baking. While a little oil helps achieve a golden brown crust, too much can cause the chicken to become greasy rather than crispy.

Tips and tricks

For a fantastic Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe, start with high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh chicken breasts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts flavor and texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated options, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

To achieve the perfect crust, consider double-breading the chicken. First, dip it in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat it with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This method creates a thick layer of crunch that mimics restaurant-style dishes.

Additionally, allow the coated chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This helps set the breading and ensures it adheres better during cooking. Resting also allows flavors to meld together more effectively.

When baking, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to elevate the chicken. This allows heat to circulate around each piece, promoting even cooking and crispiness on all sides without burning.

Finally, serve your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The acidity brightens up all flavors and adds a refreshing touch to this savory dish.

Suggestions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe

Pair this delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that makes everyone smile. The rich creaminess of the potatoes complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

A side salad loaded with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully as well. It adds color and freshness while balancing out the richness of the chicken.

Consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for an extra nutritious element to your plate. Their natural crunch contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture of the chicken.

If you want to make it into a complete meal, serve it alongside pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs or marinara sauce for a heartier option that satisfies any appetite.

For those who enjoy spice, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into your breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick that enhances overall flavor without overpowering it.

FAQs

What are some good side dishes for Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe?

Great side dishes include garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad tossed in vinaigrette. You can also serve it with pasta in marinara sauce or lemon butter sauce for added variety.

Can I prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps save time on busy days while ensuring you still enjoy this delicious dish fresh from the oven.

How do I store leftovers from Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To retain its crispiness when reheating, consider placing it in an oven instead of using a microwave.

Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked breaded chicken in single layers between sheets of parchment paper for easy separation later on. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for best results.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain safety if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions.

How long does it take to cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Generally, it takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) depending on thickness; always check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety before serving!

Summary

In summary, making Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Longhorn Copycat Recipe involves avoiding common mistakes such as improper seasoning or overcrowding your baking sheet. Use quality ingredients like fresh cheese and double-bread your chicken for optimal crunchiness. Pair it thoughtfully with sides that balance its richness while enhancing flavors through careful preparation techniques like resting and precise cooking times.

 

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