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+ servings

Copycat LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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A plate with baked chicken topped with bread crumbs on mashed potatoes, served with asparagus spears. Salt and pepper shakers and a glass of water in the background.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Marinate Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

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
  • 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.
Servings: 4 servings
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