Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a restaurant-style classic you can easily recreate at home. With a golden, herby crust and juicy, tender chicken inside, every bite is deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but looks like something you’d order from a steakhouse menu.


This Parmesan-crusted chicken comes together with pantry staples and a few simple steps. The key is the rich coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs that crisps up beautifully in the oven or air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a weeknight winner, this dish delivers big flavor with very little fuss.
Why You’ll Love This LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Restaurant-style flavor at home: You get the same crispy, cheesy crust and juicy chicken without the takeout price.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here – just Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chicken, and herbs.
- Versatile dish: Serve it over pasta, next to roasted veggies, or sliced into a fresh salad.
- Crowd-pleaser: This recipe works for casual family dinners and impressive meals for guests alike.
What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?
For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not the pre-shredded or powdered kind. Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and crisping. If you can, grab a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it at home – it makes all the difference in this dish.
Ingredients for the LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that signature crunch and savory flavor:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the foundation. Pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Mayonnaise: Helps the Parmesan coating stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty kick and crisps up beautifully.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds texture and flavor to the crust.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory depth without overpowering.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild, smoky flavor.
- Dried parsley: For herby aroma and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken throughout.
- Olive oil spray or melted butter: Helps brown the crust evenly when baking.
How To Make the LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound them to an even 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Coat with Mayo and Parmesan Mix
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and dried parsley. Brush each chicken breast with the mayo mixture, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix, coating both sides well.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with olive oil. Place the chicken on the tray and lightly spray the tops as well. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
This recipe yields 4 hearty portions, making it ideal for a family dinner or meal prep.
To store: Let leftovers cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat and maintain the crust, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
To freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
What to Serve With LongHorn Parmesan Chicken?
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the crunchy chicken crust.
2. Garlic Green Beans
Bright and garlicky green beans add freshness and balance to the rich flavors.
3. Buttered Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn complements the salty Parmesan with a burst of buttery flavor.
4. Simple Caesar Salad
The tangy dressing and crisp lettuce contrast nicely with the warm, cheesy chicken.
5. Angel Hair Pasta with Olive Oil and Herbs
A light pasta base lets the chicken shine while soaking up any extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 380°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a light spray of oil for that golden crust.
What’s the difference between Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the authentic, aged Italian cheese with a more intense flavor. Parmesan is a generic version that can vary in quality. For the best results, go for Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well, just note that cooking time may increase slightly depending on thickness.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly into the chicken and avoid flipping it too early during cooking. Letting the chicken rest helps the coating set.
What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
No worries. Use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also check our Homemade Breadcrumbs Guide for a DIY option.
LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Craving that iconic LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home? This crispy, juicy chicken recipe is packed with bold flavor, coated in a cheesy Parmesan crust that bakes to golden perfection. It’s perfect for an easy dinner, weekend meal prep, or when you need food ideas that wow without the stress. If you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, healthy-ish comfort food, or an easy recipe the whole family will devour, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried parsley
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. In another bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and dried parsley.
5. Brush each chicken breast with the mayo mixture.
6. Press both sides of chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
7. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray tops with olive oil or drizzle melted butter.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra crispy texture, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Using freshly grated Parmesan ensures the crust sticks and melts beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: parmesan chicken, easy dinner, crispy baked chicken, LongHorn copycat, chicken breast recipe
