Introduction
Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you have tried it at the LongHorn Steakhouse or just heard people raving about it, there is something incredibly satisfying about the combination of juicy grilled chicken and a golden cheesy crust. This recipe has become a favorite among home cooks because it brings that restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen without being too complicated or time-consuming.
If you love bold garlic flavor, creamy ranch dressing, crispy cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken, this dish has everything you need. The base of the dish is simple grilled chicken, which is seasoned to perfection and cooked until tender and juicy. But what really sets it apart is the topping. A rich and creamy ranch and garlic layer sits on top of the chicken and is then finished off with a crispy, cheesy crust made of provolone, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. The result is an unforgettable dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Whether you are cooking for your family, hosting a dinner with friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken will hit the spot. It is easy enough for a weekday meal but impressive enough to serve on any special occasion. Plus, the recipe is versatile and can be customized in many different ways depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Let’s walk through the ingredients, how to make it, and some helpful tips to get it just right.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients so everything is ready to go. Most of these are pantry staples or easy-to-find items, which makes this recipe very accessible. Below is a list of everything you will need along with a simple calorie count for each item so you have an idea of the overall nutritional value.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 6 oz each) | 720 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 3 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | 9 |
| Shredded Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | 431 |
| Shredded provolone cheese | 1 cup | 339 |
| Panko breadcrumbs | ½ cup | 110 |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | 720 |
| Ranch dressing | ½ cup | 290 |
| Minced garlic | 1 tablespoon | 5 |
| Chopped parsley (optional for garnish) | 2 tablespoons | 2 |
This recipe yields four generous servings. Each serving contains between 590 to 650 calories depending on the cheese and dressing brands used. If you want to reduce the calorie count, you can use light mayonnaise or low-fat cheese.
Read More: Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast for Dinner
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preparing your chicken breasts. You want them to cook evenly so gently flatten each breast to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the chicken cook faster and prevents dry spots.
Season both sides of the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. If you have time, you can let it marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator for even better flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The goal is to have nicely grilled chicken that stays juicy inside.
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the creamy topping. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ranch dressing, minced garlic, and half of the Parmesan and provolone cheese. This creates a flavorful, rich spread that goes on top of the chicken after it’s grilled.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining Parmesan, provolone, and panko breadcrumbs. This mixture will form the crispy crust when the chicken is broiled at the end.
Once the chicken is cooked, place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spread a thick layer of the ranch and cheese mixture over each piece of chicken. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each breast.
Preheat your oven broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the topping turns golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye during this step because the cheese can burn quickly.
When done, take the chicken out and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. You can garnish it with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Read More: Creamy Steak Bites Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is very flexible and can be adjusted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ranch-mayo mixture. This gives it a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
If you are trying to reduce carbs, skip the panko breadcrumbs and use finely crushed pork rinds or just increase the cheese for a crust that is low in carbs and still deliciously crispy.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar can be used in place of provolone. Each cheese brings a different flavor and texture to the crust.
Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture can give the dish a more gourmet feel. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish for a burst of brightness that balances the richness.
For a quicker version, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer or even bake it in the oven before adding the crust. This is great for busy weeknights when you do not have time to grill.
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich in protein and flavor. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving based on standard ingredients:
Calories: 590 to 650
Protein: 48 to 52 grams
Fat: 38 to 45 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 to 12 grams
Fiber: 0.5 to 1 gram
Sugar: 1 to 2 grams
Sodium: 800 to 950 milligrams
To make it lighter, consider using low-fat ranch dressing or mayo and reducing the amount of cheese or breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is the star of the show, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Garlic mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes also complement the dish well.
If you are looking for something lighter, a crisp Caesar salad or a simple garden salad works perfectly. You can also serve it with a side of rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
For bread lovers, warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty garlic bread make great additions. And for drinks, a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or even sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing match.
Read More: Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Conclusion
Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that brings together comfort and flavor in the best possible way. It is easy to make, customizable, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you are making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it is a recipe that you will want to make again and again.
The creamy garlic ranch topping and crispy cheese crust turn simple grilled chicken into something truly special. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Try this recipe once and it might just become a new staple in your meal rotation. Feel free to make it your own with different cheeses, spices, or sides. No matter how you serve it, this chicken dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.