Hey y’all! If you’ve ever been to Longhorn Steakhouse, you know their Parmesan Chicken is one mouth-watering dish you can’t forget. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Perfect balance of crispy crust and juicy chicken.
- Crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
- Pairs well with various sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, and set aside.
Create the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, Panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and water together.
Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
Cook the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake and Serve
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking. Learn how to pound chicken breasts.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after browning on the stove.
Variations
- Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of chili powder into the breading.
- Cheesy Parmesan Chicken: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for topping.
Required Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Whisk
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Suggested Pairings
Serve your Parmesan Chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh Caesar salad, or even some buttery asparagus for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, bake on a wire rack. Explore crispy baking techniques.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but adjust the baking time as thighs may take longer to cook.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- What can I use instead of marinara sauce? You can use any other tomato-based sauce or even pesto for a different flavor profile.