Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is packed with layers of flavor, from the zesty marinade to the creamy ranch spread and crispy Parmesan crumb topping. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to grill, bake, or broil the chicken, making it a perfect option for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish offers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup olive oil
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½ cup prepared ranch dressing
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3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for ranch spread)
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¼ cup ranch dressing (for ranch spread)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)
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1 teaspoon garlic salt
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2 tablespoon melted butter
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¼ cup shredded provolone cheese
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
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Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Grill the chicken for 12-15 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. If baking, cook for the same amount of time in the preheated oven.
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Prepare Ranch Spread: Mix ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup ranch dressing until smooth and set aside.
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Make Parmesan Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and melted butter in a bowl.
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Assemble Chicken for Broiling: Transfer cooked chicken to a casserole dish, spoon ranch spread over each breast, top with provolone cheese, and sprinkle with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
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Broil: Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20-30 minutes
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Total time: 40-50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crumb topping for a spicy kick.
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Low-Carb Version:pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs for a keto Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
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Cheesy Wonder: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for a rich twist.
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Mediterranean Magic: Swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt and add sun-dried tomatoes and oregano to the breadcrumb topping for a Mediterranean flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
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Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without the crumb topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add fresh cheese and crumb topping when reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option, though the cooking time may vary.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the breadcrumb topping in advance, storing them separately until ready to cook.
3. How do I prevent the crumb topping from burning while broiling?
Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling and stop once the cheese is melted and the crumbs are golden brown.
4. Can I make this dish without a broiler?
Yes, you can bake the chicken with the toppings for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a similar result.
5. Can I substitute ranch dressing?
Yes, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a different creamy dressing for a variation in flavor.
6. What sides go best with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad are great sides to serve with this dish.
7. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
8. Can I freeze the un-cooked marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking, but it’s best to cook it immediately after thawing for optimal texture.
9. Can I use different cheeses for the topping?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for different textures and flavors.
10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
This recipe is best cooked through grilling or baking, as the crumb topping may not crisp up properly in a slow cooker.
Conclusion
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home. With its crispy, cheesy topping and juicy, marinated chicken, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe has something for everyone.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
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Recreate the delicious Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home! This recipe features a crispy Parmesan crumb topping, flavorful marinade, and melted cheese that will impress your guests. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weeknight meals, this restaurant-quality dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Author: Janet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup olive oil
½ cup prepared ranch dressing
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp black pepper
For the Ranch Spread:
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup ranch dressing
For the Parmesan Topping:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic salt
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
-
Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Grill the chicken for 12-15 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. If baking, cook in the preheated oven for the same amount of time.
-
Prepare the Ranch Spread: Mix ¼ cup Parmesan cheese with ¼ cup ranch dressing until smooth, and set aside.
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Make the Parmesan Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and melted butter in a bowl.
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Assemble Chicken for Broiling: Transfer the cooked chicken to a casserole dish. Spoon ranch spread over each breast, top with provolone cheese, and sprinkle with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
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Broil: Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping.
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Substitute ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean twist.
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Freeze the cooked chicken (without the crumb topping) for up to 2 months.