Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

If you have ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a showstopper. This delectable dish combines tender chicken breasts, a rich cheese blend, and a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping, creating a mouthwatering experience that you can now recreate at home. Follow our comprehensive guide to make this restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients to ensure you have everything you need for this recipe.

For the Chicken:

• 12 ounces chicken breasts (2 portions)
• 1 cup Lea & Perrin’s Chicken Marinade
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

For the Cheese Blend:

• 1 ounce Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces white Cheddar, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cheese blend (from the cheese blend above)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Proper marination is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderness.

• Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, which cook more evenly.
• Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag with 1 cup of Lea & Perrin’s Chicken Marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Sauce

The rich and creamy cheese sauce is a defining element of this dish.

• In a bowl, toss together Gruyere, white Cheddar, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses. This blend provides a complex, multi-layered flavor.
• To make the cheese sauce, gently heat the heavy cream in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
• Add 1/2 cup of the cheese blend to the warm cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

3. Cook the Chicken

Achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken is essential.

• In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
• Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
• Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden on both sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

4. Assemble and Broil

The final step involves combining all the elements under the broiler to achieve a perfectly crusted finish.

• Preheat your broiler to high.
• Place the cooked chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
• Spoon the cheese sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
• Top with the remaining shredded cheese blend, ensuring each piece is well covered.
• Mix the Panko bread crumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese-topped chicken. This will add a delicious crunchy texture.
• Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the Panko topping is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the broiler to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider these options to complete your meal:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and robust flavor complement the rich cheese sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: A medley of broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds color and freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
• Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with the savory chicken.

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.

Mastering the Cheese Sauce

• Use high-quality cheeses for the best results. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a superior flavor.
• Avoid overheating the cream to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy. Gentle heating is key.

Achieving the Perfect Crust

• Do not skip the butter in the Panko topping. It helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.
• Broil with care. Stay close to the oven and watch for the perfect bubbling and browning.

Marination Magic

• The longer the marination, the better. Overnight marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a juicier chicken.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Our Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is designed to be a step above the rest. By paying attention to the details and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals the original. Here’s what makes it exceptional:

• Authentic Flavor: The combination of Gruyere, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses mirrors the complex flavors found in the restaurant dish.
• Perfect Texture: The Panko breadcrumb topping provides the ideal crunch, while the cheese sauce remains creamy and smooth.
• Easy to Follow: With clear instructions and detailed steps, even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.

Nutritional Information

While this dish is undeniably indulgent, it’s helpful to know the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 750
• Protein: 45 grams
• Fat: 55 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Sodium: 900 mg

Enjoy this decadent Parmesan Crusted Chicken as an occasional treat, and balance it with lighter meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

By following our detailed guide, you can recreate the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home with confidence. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner. The combination of tender marinated chicken, rich cheese sauce, and crispy Panko topping is sure to become a favorite in your household.