Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
You’re about to discover your newest obsession: Longhorn Parmesan Chicken. This dish combines juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts with a creamy ranch and sour cream layer, all topped with a golden blanket of Parmesan and gooey provolone or mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe brings that crave-worthy steakhouse flavor right into your kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken a regular part of your home-cooked repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great food starts with good ingredients, and Longhorn Parmesan Chicken really shines when you use the right components. Each item in this recipe adds something special—whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible crispy-cheesy finish.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest, most tender results.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty, deeply savory note and helps create that signature crust.
- Shredded Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a stretchy, melty topping everyone loves.
- Ranch Dressing: Infuses the chicken with herby, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist during baking and adds a hint of fruitiness.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the sauce a gentle, aromatic kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Delivers savory, deep background notes that enhance every bite.
- Paprika: Lends smoky flavor and a pop of warm color to your finished chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients together.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley (Optional): Perfect for a pop of color and fresh, herbal finish at serving time.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it preheats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. This little step keeps your chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. This mixture is what infuses Longhorn Parmesan Chicken with deep, satisfying flavor and a luscious, creamy layer.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil to lock in moisture and help the flavors adhere. You can also use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for quicker, more even baking.
Step 4: Layer the Sauce and Cheeses
Spoon the ranch and sour cream mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then follow with a generous layer of shredded provolone or mozzarella. The combination creates that iconic cheesy, golden topping found in Longhorn Parmesan Chicken.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If you love a little extra crisp and color on your cheese, turn the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once done, let the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken rest just a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then plate it up while the cheese is still deliciously melty.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh chopped parsley is the classic finish for Longhorn Parmesan Chicken, lending a bit of color and a touch of herbal brightness. If you enjoy a bit of extra zip, a few shavings of Parmesan or a small pinch of crushed red pepper can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is an all-star with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, tender broccoli, or your favorite roasted veggies. Pasta makes a fantastic base too, catching all that savory sauce and gooey melted cheese from the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, slice the cooked chicken and nestle it over a bed of garlic butter pasta or wild rice. Or try slicing leftovers thinly for use in sandwiches, wraps, or even atop a crispy green salad for a lighter meal that still brings that signature Longhorn Parmesan Chicken flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Longhorn Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days without losing much of its creamy, cheesy charm.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well! Place cooled portions into airtight containers or a freezer-safe zip bag, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to retain moisture. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and check often so the cheese doesn’t overcook and become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more juiciness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a bit longer—be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a way to lighten up Longhorn Parmesan Chicken?
You can easily use light or fat-free ranch dressing and sour cream, and opt for part-skim mozzarella. The dish will still be rich and satisfying, with a touch less decadence.
Can I make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the cheeses just before baking for best results, then proceed as directed.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice makes a quick substitute that keeps the creamy tang you love.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken breast. The juices should run clear and the cheese on top should be bubbling and lightly golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious dinner that’s sure to bring smiles to your table, Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a must-try. With its golden, cheesy crust and juicy, flavorful chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that couldn’t be simpler to make. Give it a try and let this dish become your go-to weeknight favorite!
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Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious and cheesy baked chicken dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With a crispy Parmesan crust and gooey melted cheese, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish, brush with olive oil, and spread the ranch mixture over them.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then top with shredded provolone or mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is melted. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
- Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts for even cooking.
- For more flavor, marinate chicken in Italian dressing before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
