👋 Is Chicken Always Boring at Your House? Let’s Fix That!
Do you ever feel like chicken dinners are just… blah? Like they’re missing something? Maybe you’re tired of the same old plain chicken, and you want something that makes your taste buds sing! Well, guess what? You’re in the right place! We’re going to learn how to make chicken so yummy, so cheesy, and so full of flavor, it’ll become your new favorite dish. Get ready to say goodbye to boring chicken forever!
✨ What Makes This Parmesan Chicken So Special?
This isn’t just any chicken recipe. We’re making Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken right in your own kitchen! This recipe is super special because it’s got a crispy, cheesy crust that’s packed with flavor. Then, it’s drizzled with a garlic butter sauce that’s just… *chef’s kiss*! It’s like eating at a fancy restaurant, but you made it yourself!
How long will it take? About 35-40 minutes from start to finish. That’s not long at all for such a tasty meal!
How hard is it to make? Easy peasy! We’re saying easy level. If you can mix things in a bowl and cook chicken in a pan, you can totally make this.
🍎 What You Need: Your Parmesan Chicken Super Ingredients
To make this awesome Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need some key ingredients. Let’s talk about each one and why they’re important:
- Chicken Breasts: These are the star of our show! We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and are nice and juicy. You can also use chicken cutlets if you like them thinner.
Want to change it up? You could try using chicken thighs, but they’ll take a little longer to cook. - Parmesan Cheese: This is what makes it Parmesan Chicken! Parmesan cheese is salty and nutty, and it gets super crispy when cooked. We’re using grated Parmesan for the best texture in our crust.
Want to change it up? You could use a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese for an even stronger cheesy flavor! - Italian Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help make our chicken crust extra crunchy. Italian breadcrumbs have yummy seasonings already mixed in, which adds even more flavor.
Want to change it up? If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning (like oregano, basil, and thyme). - Garlic: Garlic makes everything taste better, right? We’re using fresh garlic in both the crust and the garlic butter sauce. It adds a wonderful savory flavor.
Want to change it up? If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always best! - Butter: Butter makes the garlic sauce rich and delicious! It also helps the chicken get golden brown when you cook it.
Want to change it up? You could use olive oil instead of butter for cooking the chicken if you want to use less butter, but butter gives the best flavor for the sauce. - Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps to cook the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Mayonnaise & Dijon Mustard: This might sound a little strange, but a mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard helps the Parmesan crust stick to the chicken. It also adds moisture and a little tang!
Don’t like mayo? You can use plain yogurt or even a little bit of olive oil instead, but mayo works best for flavor and texture. - Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and butter.
Want to change it up? If you don’t have lemon, a tiny splash of white wine vinegar can work in a pinch. - Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor to the garlic butter sauce. It also makes the dish look pretty!
No fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley, but fresh is much better for flavor and looks. - Salt and Pepper: These are super important for bringing out all the flavors! Don’t forget to season your chicken!
👩🍳 Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Parmesan Chicken Fun
Okay, are you ready to make some amazing Parmesan Chicken? Let’s do it! Follow these easy steps:
- Get the Chicken Ready:
- Take your chicken breasts and put them on a cutting board. If they are very thick, we want to make them a bit thinner so they cook evenly. You can put them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan until they are about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook faster and stay juicy.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Make the Yummy Parmesan Crust:
- In a shallow dish or a pie plate, mix together the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Stir it all up so it’s mixed well. This is going to be our crispy, cheesy coating!
- Make the Mayo Mixture:
- In another small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir it until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture will help the Parmesan crust stick to the chicken and add flavor.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Take one chicken breast and dip it into the mayonnaise mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Then, immediately press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, again making sure to coat both sides really well. Press gently so the crumbs stick.
- Place the coated chicken breast on a clean plate and repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: You have two yummy ways to cook your Parmesan Chicken!
Option 1: Pan-Frying for Extra Crispy Chicken- Put a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter to the pan and let them melt together.
- Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if you need to so the chicken gets crispy.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check if it’s done by using a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Again, check with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the garlic butter sauce! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, until it smells really good but don’t let it brown.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and a pinch of salt. That’s it! Your yummy garlic butter sauce is ready.
- Serve it Up!
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pan or oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
- Place the Parmesan Chicken on plates and drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce.
- Time to eat and enjoy your amazing homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken!
Cooking Tip! Don’t overcook the chicken! Chicken is cooked through when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when you poke it with a fork. Overcooked chicken can be dry, and we want juicy and delicious!
🍽️ Putting It All Together: Assembly and Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made your amazing Parmesan Chicken, let’s think about how to serve it and make it look extra special!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta Power: Parmesan Chicken is SO good served over pasta! Try it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. A light lemon butter sauce or Alfredo sauce would be amazing with it.
- Rice is Nice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is another great base for your chicken. The garlic butter sauce will soak into the rice and make it extra flavorful.
- Mashed Potato Magic: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that goes perfectly with Parmesan Chicken.
- Veggie Sides: Add some healthy veggies to your plate! Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a simple side salad are all great choices.
- Garlic Bread Goodness: Want to go all out? Serve your Parmesan Chicken with some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Presentation Tips:
- Fresh Parsley Sprinkle: Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedge Wow: Place a lemon wedge on each plate. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating brightens up the flavors even more.
- Extra Parmesan Please: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table so everyone can add more if they want!
- Sauce Drizzle Delight: Make sure to drizzle that yummy garlic butter sauce generously over the chicken right before serving. It’s the best part!
📦 Keeping it Fresh: Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Got leftovers? Want to make parts of this recipe ahead of time? Here’s how to keep your Parmesan Chicken tasting great!
Storage Tips:
- Store Separately if Possible: If you have leftover chicken and sauce, it’s best to store them separately if you can. This helps keep the chicken crust crispy.
- In the Fridge: Store leftover Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the garlic butter sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge as well.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven or Air Fryer for Crispy Chicken: To reheat the chicken and keep it crispy, the best way is to use the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave for Quick Reheating: You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy. Microwave in short intervals until heated through.
- Warm Up the Sauce Gently: Reheat the garlic butter sauce gently in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Don’t boil it.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep the Crust Ahead: You can mix together the Parmesan breadcrumb crust mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
- Make the Mayo Mixture Ahead: The mayonnaise and Dijon mixture can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Pound the Chicken Ahead: You can pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season them with salt and pepper a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
- Don’t Coat Too Early: It’s best to coat the chicken with the mayonnaise mixture and Parmesan crust right before cooking for the crispiest results.
✨ Get Creative! Parmesan Chicken Recipe Variations
Want to try some fun twists on this Parmesan Chicken recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a little heat!
- Herb-y Parmesan Chicken: Mix in some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a different flavor.
- Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and use fresh herbs like dill or chives in the garlic butter sauce for a bright and fresh twist.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Parmesan Chicken Casserole: Cut the cooked Parmesan Chicken into slices and layer it in a baking dish with your favorite marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve it like a casserole!
- Parmesan Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Shred leftover Parmesan Chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings to make a yummy chicken salad for sandwiches or wraps.
🎉 Time to Cook and Enjoy!
Wow, you’ve learned how to make amazing Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home! Isn’t it easier than you thought? This recipe is all about yummy flavors, crispy textures, and making dinner something special without a lot of fuss.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen, try out this recipe, and make some delicious Parmesan Chicken for yourself and your family. Don’t be afraid to try the variations and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so enjoy the process and most importantly, enjoy eating!
Happy cooking!
🤔 Got Questions? Parmesan Chicken FAQs
Is Parmesan Chicken healthy?
Parmesan Chicken can be part of a balanced diet! Chicken is a great source of protein, which helps you build strong muscles. You can make it healthier by baking instead of pan-frying to use less oil. Serve it with lots of vegetables to add vitamins and fiber to your meal. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs is another way to make it a bit healthier.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will be more moist and flavorful, but they will take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts. Make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C). Boneless, skinless thighs work best for this recipe.
Can I make Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time, like the Parmesan crust mixture and the mayonnaise mixture. You can also pound and season the chicken breasts in advance. However, it’s best to coat and cook the chicken right before you want to eat it for the crispiest results. If you need to make it completely ahead, follow the storage and reheating tips for best results.
How do I keep the Parmesan Chicken crust crispy?
To keep the crust crispy, don’t overcrowd the pan if you are pan-frying, and make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. When reheating leftovers, use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave for the best crispiness. Storing the chicken separately from the sauce also helps.
Can I freeze Parmesan Chicken?
Freezing cooked Parmesan Chicken is not recommended because the breadcrumb crust can become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts without the crust and then make the Parmesan crust fresh when you are ready to eat it. You can also freeze the garlic butter sauce separately.