This Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken is everything I love about a good restaurant-style meal—but made easily at home. I start with juicy chicken breasts, coat them in a crisp layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then bake or pan-sear them until golden and delicious. The crust is packed with flavor, while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to my dinner table. The Parmesan breadcrumb coating gets perfectly crisp, and the seasoning can be tweaked to suit my mood—classic, spicy, or herbaceous. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and goes with everything from mashed potatoes to a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup bread crumbs (I use panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 egg (beaten, for breading)
• Optional: ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone (for melting on top after baking)
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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I flatten the chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet, so they cook evenly.
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In a shallow bowl, I combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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I dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides well.
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I place the coated chicken on the baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter for crispiness.
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I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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For extra flavor, I sometimes top each piece with shredded mozzarella or provolone during the last 5 minutes of baking.
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I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep and about 25–30 minutes to bake—ready in around 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the breading mix for extra flavor. I’ve also made this with a Dijon mustard or ranch coating under the crust for added tang. For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the Parmesan.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, which keeps the crust crispy. I avoid microwaving since it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, I sear the coated chicken in a hot, oiled skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, then finish in the oven if needed.
What’s the best cheese to use for the topping?
I usually use shredded provolone or mozzarella—they melt beautifully and add a creamy layer over the crispy crust.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, I bread the chicken and refrigerate it (covered) for a few hours before baking. It makes dinner faster and just as tasty.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
I press the breading firmly into the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before baking. Avoid flipping it too often while cooking.
What should I serve with Parmesan crusted chicken?
I like pairing it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or even buttered noodles for a simple side.
Conclusion
Longhorn Parmesan crusted chicken is one of my favorite homemade meals that feels fancy without any fuss. It’s golden, cheesy, crispy, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight or a special dinner, it’s a flavorful crowd-pleaser I keep coming back to.
PrintLonghorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, crispy, restaurant-style dish you can easily make at home. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb crust and baked until golden for a satisfying and cheesy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone (for topping)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place coated chicken on prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If using cheese topping, add during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Spread Dijon mustard or ranch on chicken before breading for tang.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 135mg