Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen with tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch spread, melted cheese, and a crispy parmesan crust. Packed with bold flavor and cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying without leaving home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastsolive oilsaltpeppergarlic powderonion powderItalian seasoningshredded provolone cheesegrated Parmesan cheesepanko breadcrumbsbuttermilk ranch dressingmayonnaisebutter

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.

Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and ranch dressing to create the creamy topping.

In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter until combined.

Spread a spoonful of the ranch mixture over each piece of chicken.

Top with shredded provolone cheese, then evenly distribute the Parmesan-panko mixture over the top.

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Swap provolone for mozzarella or Swiss for a different cheesy profile.

Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter option.

Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies.

Add a dash of Dijon mustard to the ranch mix for tanginess.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.For freezing, store cooked chicken without the topping for best texture. Add topping fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just finish in the oven with the toppings.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well but may require slightly longer cooking time.

Is ranch dressing required?

It adds flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute with Caesar or your favorite creamy dressing.

What’s the best cheese for the topping?

Provolone melts well and complements the parmesan crust. Mozzarella is a good backup.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready.

Why is my topping not crispy?

Make sure the panko is mixed with butter and baked uncovered to get golden and crunchy.

Can I air-fry this recipe?

Yes, but the topping may cook faster—monitor closely and reduce time slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

It’s best with raw chicken for proper flavor absorption, but pre-cooked can work in a pinch—reduce baking time accordingly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so—cheesy, flavorful, and not spicy.

What sides go best?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, or garlic bread pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, indulgent dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a cheesy, crispy masterpiece. With layers of creamy ranch, melted cheese, and a golden crust, it’s a family-favorite recipe that tastes just like your favorite steakhouse entree. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu.