Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is crispy and golden brown.
Making the Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Remove the Parmesan crusted chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken breasts hot, drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce and garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompany with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad, and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Tips for Success
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading to ensure they cook evenly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in both the crust and the sauce.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
- Customization: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture for extra flavor, such as dried basil, oregano, or garlic powder.
Conclusion
With this recipe for LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you can recreate the restaurant experience in your own kitchen. From the golden-brown crust to the creamy Parmesan sauce, each element of this dish is designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and get ready to enjoy a memorable dining experience that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Buon appetito!