Replicate Longhorn's famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe! The chicken is marinated, seared, topped with a flavorful Parmesan crust, and oven-baked to perfection
Marinade (or use Italian Salad Dressing for a shortcut):
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Parmesan Crust:
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits
1/2 cup Provolone cheese, chopped into bits
6 tablespoons Buttermilk Ranch dressing (regular Ranch is fine)
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well-combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a gallon freezer bag, remove the air, and seal. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. (Note: The chicken will plump up while cooking.)
Season the chicken with salt and pepper if desired.
Add the chicken to a fresh freezer bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (cast iron works best).
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, avoiding moving the chicken around too much to achieve a golden sear. Reduce heat if the pan gets too hot. Once both sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a clean skillet or baking sheet and tent with foil to keep warm while preparing the Parmesan crust.
Prepare the Parmesan Crust:
Preheat the oven to a low broil (450°F).
In a bowl, mix together the Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until the cheese is melted (a slightly lumpy texture is fine). Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and panko breadcrumbs. Spoon this mixture over the cheese.
Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.
Notes:
Marinade: The recipe assumes half of the marinade is discarded after use.
Cheese Substitutes: Swiss, Mozzarella, or Munster cheese can be used in place of Provolone.
Cheese Brands: Boar’s Head Provolone and BelGioioso Parmesan are recommended for the best flavor.
Quick Marinade Option: Use 1 cup of Italian salad dressing for a quicker marinade.
Alternate Methods:
Baked Chicken Breasts:
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking dish, add 2 tablespoons of water, and place the chicken in it.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, then follow the Parmesan crust instructions.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Grilling Instructions:
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid moving the chicken while cooking.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for the Parmesan crust.