Patrick Oconnell
Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular dish that can be recreated at home. The chicken is marinated in Italian dressing, seared in a skillet, and topped with a creamy Parmesan cheese crust and buttery panko crumbs. The recipe calls for thin-sliced chicken breasts, which can be found at most grocery stores. For the cheese, freshly grated Parmesan and sliced or diced Provolone are recommended, but other cheeses such as Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese can also be used. The dish is often served with sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Main course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Main ingredients | Chicken, cheese, breadcrumbs |
| Type of cheese | Provolone, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Swiss, Munster |
| Other ingredients | Butter, garlic powder, Italian dressing, olive oil, ranch dressing |
| Nutritional info (calories) | 555-711 |
| Nutritional info (carbohydrates) | 10-16g |
| Nutritional info (protein) | 33-35g |
| Nutritional info (fat) | 45-56g |
| Nutritional info (cholesterol) | 114-132mg |
| Nutritional info (sodium) | 1041-1761mg |
| Nutritional info (sugar) | 2-8g |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone, Parmesan, and ranch dressing
The famous Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular dish at Longhorn Steakhouse, and it can be recreated at home. The chicken is juicy and tender, topped with a rich, creamy, and crunchy Parmesan crust. The key to achieving this irresistible texture and flavour lies in the marinade and the combination of cheeses used.
The chicken is first marinated in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This step is crucial, as it infuses the chicken with flavour and moisture, ensuring a juicy and tender outcome. After marinating, the chicken is seared in a skillet or grilled, creating a delicious base for the toppings.
Now, let's delve into the cheese! The sliced cheese used in Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is primarily a combination of Provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Provolone cheese brings a creamy and mild flavour to the dish. It melts beautifully, contributing to the creamy texture of the crust. Parmesan cheese, known for its sharp and nutty flavour, adds a distinctive tanginess to the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred, as it melts better and enhances the flavour.
Additionally, ranch dressing is incorporated into the cheese mixture. Ranch dressing has a creamy texture and a tangy, savoury flavour. When combined with the cheeses and melted, it creates a luscious sauce that coats the chicken. This sauce not only adds moisture but also provides a flavour boost, making the dish even more tantalising.
To prepare the dish, the marinated chicken is cooked, and the cheese mixture is spread over it. The chicken is then topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and butter, creating a crunchy topping. The dish is completed by broiling it in the oven until the cheese melts and the topping turns a golden brown.
The result is a mouthwatering chicken dish that tastes just like the one from Longhorn Steakhouse. It's an easy yet impressive meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and delectable feast.
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Chicken preparation
Preparing the chicken for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken involves a few simple steps. Firstly, you need to pound the chicken breasts to a thickness of about 0.5 inches. This step ensures even cooking and a tender texture. After pounding, the chicken is ready for marination.
For the marinade, you can use Italian dressing, or a combination of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for maximum flavour absorption. The marinated chicken is then ready for searing or grilling.
To sear the chicken, heat some olive oil or vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Using tongs, carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Sear each side for around 3 to 5 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Alternatively, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Brush an oven-safe dish or skillet with vegetable oil and place the chicken breasts inside. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked through, it's time to add the cheesy topping. In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing, and sliced or shredded provolone cheese. Stir the mixture until well combined and melted, using the microwave in short intervals if needed. You can also add herbs or buttermilk ranch dressing to this mixture for extra flavour.
Spread this cheesy mixture generously over the seared or baked chicken breasts. At this point, you can also add a slice of provolone cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch. Finally, sprinkle a panko breadcrumb topping over the cheese.
Broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the crumbs turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this final step to avoid overcooking or burning.
And that's it! Your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is now ready to be served. Enjoy the juicy, tender chicken with its irresistible cheesy crust. Don't forget to pair it with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing Caesar salad.
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Toppings
The toppings for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken are what make this dish so irresistible. The chicken is topped with a combination of cheeses, including Parmesan and Provolone, which melt beautifully together to form a crispy, golden crust. The key to achieving the perfect melt and flavour is to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as smoothly. In addition to the cheese, the topping also includes buttery Panko breadcrumbs, which add a delicious crunch.
To prepare the toppings, start by combining grated Parmesan cheese with Provolone cheese and Ranch dressing. This combination of flavours creates a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. You can adjust the amount of Ranch dressing to your taste, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts cheese and dressing. If you don't have Provolone cheese on hand, you can also use cheeses such as Munster, Swiss, or Mozzarella as substitutes. These cheeses will melt and combine with the Parmesan similarly to Provolone.
Once you have combined the cheese and Ranch dressing, spread this mixture generously over the chicken. Then, it's time to add the buttery Panko topping. Combine melted butter with the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper to create a savoury, crispy coating. You can also add some extra grated Parmesan cheese to this mixture for an extra cheesy kick. Crumble or sprinkle this topping over the chicken, covering the creamy cheese sauce.
The final step is to broil the chicken until the toppings are golden brown and slightly crispy. This step brings all the flavours together and creates a beautiful, irresistible texture. The result is a juicy chicken breast topped with a mile-high, cheesy, garlicky, and crunchy crust that will impress both family and friends. Don't be surprised if they ask for seconds!
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Substitutes
The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe calls for provolone cheese, but several substitutes can be used if you don't have access to provolone or prefer a different variety.
Firstly, you can try using Swiss cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavour and melts well. This is a good option if you're looking for a slightly different taste profile without veering too far from the original recipe.
Mozzarella is another suitable substitute for provolone. It has a similar stretchy, stringy texture when melted and a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
If you're looking for something with a stronger flavour, you could opt for Munster cheese. It has a more pungent aroma and a slightly softer texture than provolone, but it will still melt nicely and provide a creamy mouthfeel.
For those who want a more pronounced Swiss cheese flavour, Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are good options. They have a similar texture to provolone and will melt smoothly, adding a slightly sharper taste to the dish.
Fontina, Gouda, and Muenster cheeses can also be used as substitutes for provolone in this recipe. These cheeses have unique flavours and textures that will add a distinct twist to the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Remember, when using substitutes, consider the flavour profile and melting properties of the cheese to ensure it complements the other ingredients and creates the desired texture.
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Nutritional information
The nutritional information for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, this analysis will provide a general overview of the dish's nutritional content.
The dish typically includes chicken breasts that are pounded thin and marinated in a mixture of Italian dressing, olive oil, and various spices. This marinade adds flavour and moisture to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
The chicken is then typically coated in a layer of provolone cheese, which is a good source of protein and calcium. Provolone has a relatively mild flavour and melts easily, making it a suitable choice for this recipe. The cheese is often combined with or substituted by other cheeses, such as Swiss, Mozzarella, or Munster, each of which offers its own unique flavour and nutritional profile.
The Parmesan crust is a key component of this dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is typically combined with ranch dressing, creating a creamy and savoury coating for the chicken. Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and its sharp, nutty flavour adds depth to the dish. The ranch dressing, on the other hand, contributes additional creaminess and a tangy flavour.
Finally, the dish is often topped with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, butter, and garlic powder, which adds a crunchy texture and savoury flavour. Panko breadcrumbs have a coarser texture than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in an extra crispy coating.
When considering the nutritional content of Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it is important to note that it is a protein-rich dish due to the combination of chicken and cheese. It also contains a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat, due to the cheese and butter content. The dish provides a good source of calcium and other minerals, such as sodium and potassium.
While this dish offers a satisfying combination of flavours and textures, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The nutritional information provided by various sources for this dish may vary, and individuals should calculate the nutritional values based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in their recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
The sliced cheese used in Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is Provolone.
If you can't find Provolone, you can use sliced Monterey, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, or Swiss cheese.
To prepare the sliced Provolone cheese for this recipe, you can shred or dice it into small pieces.
After searing the chicken, spread the Parmesan crust on each fillet, then cover each fillet with a slice of Provolone cheese.
