Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting chicken dish that’s both easy to whip up and sure to impress, Longhorn Parmesan Chicken absolutely belongs on tonight’s dinner table. This recipe brings together juicy, seasoned chicken breasts, a glorious blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, and a creamy ranch topping that bakes to golden, bubbling perfection. Finished with crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, Longhorn Parmesan Chicken delivers serious flavor and weeknight-worthy satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is all in the simple list of kitchen staples, each playing a delicious role in this melt-in-your-mouth meal. Let’s break down the basics you’ll need, plus a few expert tips to make every ingredient shine even more.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest and most tender results—pound them lightly for even cooking.
- Salt: Brings out the savory sweetness in the chicken; don’t be shy, season both sides well.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the flavor, freshly cracked is always best.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with warm, robust flavor in seconds—no peeling required.
- Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle delivers a fragrant mix of herbs that truly elevates this dish.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and locks in moisture before baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a luscious, stretchy topping—feel free to shred your own for extra meltiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty layer that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Creamy ranch dressing: The secret sauce that brings tang and creaminess to every bite; choose your favorite or homemade.
- Crispy fried onions (optional): These add irresistible crunch and a pop of savory onion flavor—totally worth it if you have them!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle gives your finished Longhorn Parmesan Chicken a fresh, vibrant look and herbal finish.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Seasoning
First things first: pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick and guarantee a great sear. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, pressing the spices in so every bite is flavorful. This simple step sets the foundation for all the taste that follows.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken breasts and let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side—just enough to get a beautiful golden color. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage; the oven will finish the job and keep them juicy. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Mix Your Creamy Cheese Topping
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well-blended into a thick, cheesy mixture. This topping is where the “wow” factor of Longhorn Parmesan Chicken shines—savory, gooey, and tangy all at once.
Step 4: Smother and Bake
Spoon your luscious ranch and cheese topping evenly over each chicken breast, coating them from edge to edge. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and internal temp hits 165°F) and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Step 5: Crisp It Up and Garnish
If you’re going for extra crunch, gently scatter crispy fried onions over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. They’ll toast up perfectly without burning. Once out of the oven, finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a garden-fresh finish. Serve your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken piping hot!
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
This dish looks gorgeous straight from the oven, but just a sprinkle of vibrant chopped parsley or even a handful of fresh basil can take its appeal even further. If you love a final flourish, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or an extra shake of black pepper makes it dinner-party ready.
Side Dishes
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides: think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. Need something even simpler? A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving the chicken sliced atop a mountain of herbed pasta, or pile it into a crusty ciabatta roll for an outrageously good sandwich. For a gluten-free twist, plate it over garlicky cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lighter but equally indulgent experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Longhorn Parmesan Chicken keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Simply allow it to cool, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. You’ll have an easy, flavor-packed lunch or second dinner ready to go!
Freezing
If you need even more flexibility, this dish freezes well! Once cooled, wrap portions individually or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll hold up for two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Longhorn Parmesan Chicken in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals so the chicken stays moist and the cheesy topping gets gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and deliver even more juicy flavor. Just adjust the baking time as thighs may cook a bit faster—check for doneness at around 20–25 minutes.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
If you’re not a ranch fan or don’t have any on hand, try using Caesar or creamy Italian dressing for a slightly different but still delicious twist on Longhorn Parmesan Chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The foolproof way: an instant-read thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally, or when the juices run clear and the flesh is no longer pink inside.
Can I make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can fully assemble the dish (except for the crispy onions) up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure your ranch dressing and crispy fried onions (if using) are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy option for a range of diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s cheesy, crowd-pleasing, and made with love, you can’t go wrong with Longhorn Parmesan Chicken. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again for its easy prep, incredible flavor, and pure comfort. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen too!
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Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a delicious baked chicken dish topped with a cheesy, creamy ranch dressing and crispy fried onions. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup creamy ranch dressing
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken: In a skillet, sear the chicken in olive oil until lightly golden.
- Prepare topping: Mix ranch dressing, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Spread over chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and topping is golden.
- Optional: Add fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
