Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
There are some dinners that feel like a little win in the middle of a long week. The kind where you set the plates down, sit back in your chair, and realize everyone is actually eating instead of asking what else is in the fridge. This Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those dinners.
I first started making this on a night when going out just sounded exhausting. Kids were tired. I was tired. The idea of waiting for a table and spending money we did not need to spend just felt like too much. But I still wanted something special. Something that felt like we tried. That is when I remembered that chicken from LongHorn. You know the one. Juicy. Cheesy. That golden crust that somehow stays crispy even under all that goodness.
So I rolled up my sleeves, poured a little ranch dressing into a bowl, and gave it my best dad attempt. What came out of the oven that night changed the regular dinner rotation in our house. The chicken was tender. The topping was rich and cheesy. The crunch on top made it feel like a restaurant plate without the restaurant stress.
This is the kind of recipe you make when you want to show up for your people without overcomplicating your life. It is perfect for a Sunday dinner when you have a little extra time. It works just as well on a weeknight when you want something comforting and familiar. And it is one of those meals that gets requested again before the plates are even cleared.
What Is Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a restaurant style chicken dinner made at home using simple ingredients. Boneless chicken breasts are marinated in ranch dressing and seasonings, then seared until golden. After baking, the chicken is topped with provolone cheese, a creamy Parmesan ranch mixture, and a buttery breadcrumb crust that gets broiled until bubbly and golden.
The result is tender juicy chicken with layers of flavor and texture. Creamy, cheesy, crispy, and savory all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Restaurant Flavor at Home: This chicken delivers the same rich cheesy flavor and crispy topping you expect when dining out without leaving your kitchen.
• Juicy Every Time: The ranch marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful all the way through.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates when cheese and crunch are involved.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything here is easy to find and already familiar.
• Great for Leftovers: This chicken reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
When to Serve This Recipe
• Weeknight Comfort Dinners: It feels special but does not take all evening.
• Sunday Family Meals: Perfect for gathering everyone around the table.
• Casual Entertaining: Guests love a restaurant style dish that feels homemade.
• Date Night at Home: Cozy, impressive, and no reservations required.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bottled ranch dressing
This forms the base of the marinade and gives the chicken that signature flavor. - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Adds brightness and balances the richness. - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Brings a subtle savory depth that makes the chicken taste seasoned through. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic makes a big difference here. - one half teaspoon paprika
Adds warmth and a little color to the marinade. - one half teaspoon black pepper
Just enough bite without overpowering. - one half teaspoon salt
Balances all the flavors. - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Try to choose evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly. - one third cup ranch dressing
This is used for the creamy Parmesan topping. - one half cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Use freshly grated if you can for the smoothest texture. - one half teaspoon onion powder
Adds mild sweetness and depth. - 4 slices provolone cheese
Mozzarella works too if needed. - one half cup panko breadcrumbs
These give the crust its signature crunch. - 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Helps the topping brown beautifully. - 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese for crust
Adds flavor and crispness. - Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional but adds a nice fresh finish.
How To Make Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1:
Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together one cup ranch dressing, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Take a moment here. This is where the flavor starts.
Step 2:
Place the chicken breasts in a zip top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat everything evenly. Seal or cover and let it marinate for at least thirty minutes. If you have more time, up to four hours makes it even better.
Step 3:
When you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. A good hot pan makes all the difference.
Step 4:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place the chicken into the hot skillet and sear for about three to four minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and builds flavor.
Step 5:
Transfer the skillet to the oven. If your skillet is not oven safe, move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6:
While the chicken bakes, make the topping. In a small bowl, stir together one third cup ranch dressing, one half cup Parmesan cheese, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
Step 7:
Remove the chicken from the oven. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of chicken. Spoon the Parmesan ranch mixture over the cheese.
Step 8:
In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and two tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each chicken breast.
Step 9:
Turn the oven to broil. Place the chicken back into the oven and broil for two to three minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye here.
Step 10:
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Substitutions
• Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used if that is what you have.
• Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch or buttermilk dressing adds extra tang.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers work well.
Variations
• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the topping.
• Garlic Herb Crust: Mix minced garlic and fresh parsley into the Parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta: Slice the chicken and serve over creamy Alfredo.
Tips and Tricks
• Sear First: This step gives the chicken restaurant level flavor and locks in moisture.
• Do Not Skip the Marinade: The ranch marinade is the heart of this recipe.
• Watch the Broiler Closely: The crust browns fast and can burn if ignored.
• Use a Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of perfectly cooked chicken.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken ahead and prep the topping earlier in the day.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes boneless thighs work well but may need a few extra minutes to cook.
Is this freezer friendly?
It is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be frozen if needed.
Serving Ideas
Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple side salad. It also pairs beautifully with buttered noodles or garlic rice.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crisp. You can marinate the chicken up to four hours ahead of time.
Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup bottled ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese for crust
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together one cup ranch dressing, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Take a moment here. This is where the flavor starts.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat everything evenly. Seal or cover and let it marinate for at least thirty minutes. If you have more time, up to four hours makes it even better.
- When you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. A good hot pan makes all the difference.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place the chicken into the hot skillet and sear for about three to four minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and builds flavor.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven. If your skillet is not oven safe, move the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the chicken bakes, make the topping. In a small bowl, stir together one third cup ranch dressing, one half cup Parmesan cheese, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of chicken. Spoon the Parmesan ranch mixture over the cheese.
- In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and two tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each chicken breast.
- Turn the oven to broil. Place the chicken back into the oven and broil for two to three minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye here.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Substitutions
• Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used if that is what you have.• Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch or buttermilk dressing adds extra tang.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers work well.
Variations
• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the topping.• Garlic Herb Crust: Mix minced garlic and fresh parsley into the Parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta: Slice the chicken and serve over creamy Alfredo.
Tips and Tricks
• Sear First: This step gives the chicken restaurant level flavor and locks in moisture.• Do Not Skip the Marinade: The ranch marinade is the heart of this recipe.
• Watch the Broiler Closely: The crust browns fast and can burn if ignored.
• Use a Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of perfectly cooked chicken.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a small victory. It brings everyone together. It fills the house with that warm comforting smell that says dinner is almost ready. And it reminds me that sometimes the best meals are the ones we make right at home, with simple ingredients and a little care.
If you make this, I hope it becomes one of those recipes your family asks for again. The kind that feels familiar, comforting, and just a little special every time it hits the table.
