Crispy Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken with a savory Parmesan crust and a luscious ranch cream sauce makes this dish irresistible. Inspired by the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse favorite, this recipe brings restaurant-style indulgence right into your kitchen without the need for deep frying or specialty ingredients.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, the chicken stays juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Layered with melted provolone, Parmesan, and a creamy ranch topping, every bite is a rich and satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and comforting appeal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping and Sauce:

• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Marinate in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for 2+ hours.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In one bowl, combine flour, Parmesan, and panko. In another, whisk egg with milk.

3. Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, then egg, then back in flour mixture.

4. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

5. Place chicken on a baking dish. Mix ranch, sour cream, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Spread over chicken.

6. Sprinkle with provolone and Parmesan. Bake 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen—and few recipes capture that indulgent, familiar flavor like Crispy Longhorn Parmesan Chicken. Inspired by the beloved Longhorn Steakhouse menu item, this parmesan-crusted chicken topped with creamy ranch sauce and melted cheese brings all the savory, comforting notes of your favorite steakhouse right to your dinner table.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser from the first bite to the last. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, a golden, crispy parmesan and breadcrumb crust, and a rich, ranch-based topping make for a flavor profile that’s savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy with a hint of heat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of dining out, without ever leaving home.

Why This Parmesan Chicken Recipe Is So Popular

1. It’s a Copycat Classic That Delivers:
Longhorn Steakhouse is famous for many things, and their crispy parmesan chicken has a cult following. Recreating it at home lets you enjoy the same flavor without the restaurant price tag. This version captures the essence of the original—crispy exterior, tender meat, rich cheese, and creamy ranch topping—but adds the convenience and satisfaction of homemade cooking.

2. Balanced Flavor and Texture:
The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Meanwhile, the coating of seasoned flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese gives each bite a delightful crunch. The final touch—baking the chicken with creamy ranch sauce and melted cheeses—adds richness without overwhelming the dish.

3. No Deep Frying Required:
Despite its crispy texture, this chicken is baked, not fried. That makes it a lighter and more accessible option for home cooks who want that golden crust without the mess or added oil of frying.

4. Versatile and Customizable:
You can adjust the seasonings, spice levels, and cheese types to suit your preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or sauce. Prefer a sharper flavor? Use aged Parmesan or swap in Asiago. It’s a flexible recipe that works with what you have on hand.

5. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved:
This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The creamy ranch flavor is familiar and comforting, while the crispy coating and gooey cheese make it fun and satisfying. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even pasta for a complete family meal.

Healthier Than You Think

While it’s certainly indulgent in flavor, this dish can be made significantly healthier than its restaurant counterpart. Here’s how:

• Baking instead of frying cuts down on saturated fat and calories.
• Using lean chicken breasts ensures you’re getting high-quality protein.
• The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat naturally, reducing the need for extra oils or brining solutions.
• You control the ingredients, so you can opt for low-fat cheeses, a light ranch dressing, or even Greek yogurt in the sauce.

When made at home, this recipe is a healthier take on a comfort classic—one that fits into a balanced diet while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.

What Makes This Chicken So Crispy?

The secret to that perfect crunch is the three-part breading process. First, the chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices, which both tenderizes and infuses it with flavor. Then, it’s dredged in a mix of seasoned flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. This triple threat of coating ingredients ensures maximum crispiness when the chicken is seared and then baked to perfection.

Panko, in particular, plays a huge role. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional ones, which results in a more pronounced and satisfying crunch. Combined with the nuttiness of Parmesan, the result is a crust that is both flavorful and irresistibly crisp.

The Star of the Show: Ranch-Parmesan Cream Sauce

Let’s be honest—the chicken is great on its own, but what really takes this recipe over the top is the rich, tangy, creamy topping. A mix of ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes delivers a flavor bomb that complements the crispiness of the chicken without making it soggy.

Once this mixture is slathered over the golden chicken cutlets, it’s topped with shredded provolone and more Parmesan before going into the oven. The result? A cheesy, bubbling, golden topping that adds moisture, flavor, and visual appeal. It’s the kind of topping that makes you want to go back for seconds.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is how well it holds up as leftovers. The crispy coating may soften slightly, but the flavors deepen and become even more delicious the next day. You can reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes and it will taste just as satisfying.

Make a double batch and use leftovers in wraps, on top of a salad, or chopped into a pasta dish. You’ll be glad you did.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your Longhorn-style dining experience at home, pair this dish with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or baked potato wedges
• Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad
• A warm dinner roll or homemade breadsticks
• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing beverage balance

You can also drizzle some of the ranch sauce over vegetables or use it as a dip—no one will complain!

Tips for Success

• Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the most tender and flavorful chicken.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and taste.
• Pre-sear the chicken before baking to lock in juices and enhance the crispy coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan during baking, so heat circulates evenly for a crisp finish.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add brightness to the rich dish.

Conclusion: A Restaurant Favorite Made Better at Home

The Crispy Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe brings the indulgent flavors of your favorite steakhouse dish into your kitchen with a few healthier, homemade twists. From the tender, well-seasoned chicken to the cheesy, creamy topping, this dish is an all-in-one comfort food experience.

It’s a recipe that impresses without being difficult, delivers big flavor without deep frying, and satisfies cravings without sacrificing freshness. Whether you’re a busy parent, an aspiring home chef, or simply someone who wants a dependable go-to chicken dinner, this dish is for you.