Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparation:
Marinate the Chicken:
Prepare the Marinade:
Combine and whisk in a mixing bowl:
½ cup olive oil
½ cup prepared ranch dressing
Worcestershire sauce (3 Tbsp.)
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon black pepper
Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Marinate:
Put 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
If using a resealable plastic bag, seal and rub the marinade over the chicken so every part is well coated.
Seal the bag (or place a cover on the dish) and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight if you want maximum flavor and tenderness.
Cooking the Chicken
Grill or Cook the Chicken:
Preheat:
Prepare grill over medium high heat. For a grill pan or oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook:
Lift chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
Cook or grill the chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning midway until done.
(NOTE: This should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).)
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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For the ranch spread, whisk together ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup ranch dressing in a small bowl. It’s also mixed until smooth and creamy and set aside — you’ll drizzle this delicious spread over the chicken later.
Next make the Parmesan crumb topping. In another bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toss all to evenly coat the crumbs and give them flavor. Mix well. Toss well to combine ingredients and moisten. Save this topping — it will top the chicken just before you broil it.
Assembly and Final Cooking:
To Prepare Chicken for Broiling:
Broil: Center the rack in the oven to broiler and heat broiler. Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to an oven-safe casserole dish.
Spoon 2 tablespoons ranch spread onto each chicken breast.
Top that with a generous layer of shredded provolone cheese.
Add Crumb Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan crumb topping on each chicken breast.
Lightly press the topping so it can stick.
Broil the Chicken:
Broil:
Broil the casserole dish once it has been heated.
Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, keeping a close eye, until the cheese is melted and the crumb topping is golden brown.
Don’t burn it, so avoid over-broiling.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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Serving
Garnish and Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives for color and flavor.
Serve hot with side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a salad.
Serving Suggestions:
Scatter over some chop or sprig of fresh herb, like parsley or chives, for a hit of brightness and a surprise or two of flavor, then remove from the oven, and eat.
Serve warm with your choice of accompaniments roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a salad.
Classic Dinner Pairing:
Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans or roasted vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Light & Fresh: Add a simple garden salad or steamed broccoli for a lighter, wholesome meal.
Italianate: With buttered noodles or a risotto that’s drizzled with olive oil, maybe another sprinkling of fresh herbs.
Sandwich Style: A decadent but casual sandwich sliced and layered into a crusty baguette: Just the ticket for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
For the crispy topping, reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Do not reheat in the microwave because it can get soggy chicken.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken (minus crumb topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
If you reheat the casserole, add fresh cheese and crumb topping for the best texture.
Make-Ahead Option
Victorian-shirtless chicken for three days.
The crumb topping can be prepared ahead and kept in an airtight container for 3 days.
Variations:
Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Stir a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the crumb topping if you want to spice it up.
Low-Carb Version
For a keto-friendly option, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko bread crumbs.
Cheesy Wonder: Take your dishes to the next level by experimenting with an array of cheeses—use a silky melt of creamy mozzarella, add some punch with bold sharp cheddar or indulge in some decadent Gruyère for a gourmet flourish that will have others coming in for seconds.
Mediterranean Magic: Looking for something lighter, with a refreshing flavor? For the marinade, replace ranch dressing with tangy Greek yogurt. It’s a simple swap that adds Mediterranean zest and creamy richness to your meal while still keeping it fresh and healthy. For something a little more flavorful, stir sun-dried tomatoes and oregano into the breadcrumb topping.
Make it Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms, all the marinading and ranch spreading and crumbing about the same.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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Conclusion:
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is pure comfort food! With its chicken, perfectly marinated, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, it’s a recipe you will be making time and again.
Whether you’re having it for a family meal, for a dinner party centerpiece, or as a satisfying treat for yourself, this dish comes through triumphantly on all counts. Serve with your favorite sides, and I promise this will be an instant hit at the table!
Want more comforting chicken recipes? For more restaurant menus cooked up at home, try Chicken Marsala or Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken. Enjoy!
