Ah, you’re in for a treat with my Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe! I can almost hear the clinking of plates and the sizzling sounds as I reflect on those cozy dinners at Longhorn with friends and family. There’s just something special about sharing a good meal together, and this dish is always a showstopper, with its crispy parmesan crust and creamy sauce. Every time I whip this up, it transports me back to those evenings filled with laughter and great conversations. It’s definitely one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen!
The beauty of making this at home is not just in the taste; it’s about the memories you’ll create with your own loved ones over a plate of cheesy, delicious chicken. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Are you ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. They’re easy to cook and soak up all the delicious flavors from the breading and sauce. I like to pound them a bit for that perfect tenderness and to ensure they cook evenly.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds the unbeatable cheesy flavor and crispy texture. I recommend using freshly grated parmesan if you can; it melts and crisps up much better than the pre-grated stuff.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that satisfying crunch! Panko gives an airy and crispy texture that elevates this dish to restaurant-quality.
Spices: A mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper adds a nice kick to the chicken. You can get creative and add your favorite spices too!
Heavy Cream: This creates a luxurious sauce that brings everything together. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor and aroma. There’s nothing quite like the smell of garlic cooking, is there?
Is Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Good for You?
This Parmesan Chicken is absolutely delicious, but let’s talk about balance! While you’ll find some wonderful protein from the chicken, along with calcium from the parmesan, you also have heavy cream, which can increase the calorie count.
Chicken Breasts: Lean, packed with protein, and low in fat, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, but it’s also high in sodium, so moderation is key.
Heavy Cream: A little indulgent, so consider using less or substituting with a lighter option if you’re watching your fat intake.
All in all, enjoy this dish in moderation, and balance it with plenty of veggies on the side, like a crisp salad or steamed broccoli!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken gets golden and crispy!
2. Take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Next, in a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. This mixture will create that amazing crunchy breading.
4. Dredge each chicken breast first in the parmesan-panko mixture. Make sure to press it down gently so it sticks well.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. While the chicken is in the oven, let’s make the cream sauce! In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. You can add more parmesan cheese here for an extra cheesy sauce if you like!
9. Once the chicken is done, plate it up, drizzle the cream sauce over the chicken, and enjoy the delightful aroma!
Delicious Tips and Variations
Here are a few of my favorite tips and variations to make this recipe even more special!
– **Add some herbs:** Chopped fresh parsley or basil on top makes a lovely garnish and adds even more flavor.
– **Spicy kick:** If you love some heat, add red pepper flakes to the panko mixture. It gives a nice zing!
– **Vegetarian option:** Try replacing the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini for a veggie twist!
I really hope you give this Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken a try. It’s all about sharing good food and joy with those we love, after all. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Happy cooking!
