Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and hearty dish inspired by the popular restaurant. It features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful garlic-Parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home and is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the sauce:

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat.

4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano.

5. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

6. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, pressing gently to adhere.

7. Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crust is golden.

8. For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

9. Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Sugar: 1 g

• Sodium: 600 mg

The Appeal of the Garlic Parmesan Crust

The standout feature of this recipe is undoubtedly the garlic Parmesan crust, which adds a beautiful texture and depth of flavor. The crust is made from a combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, dried herbs, and panko breadcrumbs. The mayonnaise acts as both a binder and a moisture-locking agent, keeping the chicken tender beneath the crunchy topping.

Parmesan cheese, with its nutty and slightly salty profile, enhances the crust’s flavor while also contributing to a crisp texture once baked. The addition of minced garlic and dried herbs like basil and oregano adds aromatic and earthy notes, ensuring each bite is packed with savory complexity. The butter mixed into the breadcrumbs further enriches the crust, giving it a golden, buttery finish that elevates the dish’s appeal.

Searing: Building Flavor from the Start

Before baking, the chicken breasts are seared in olive oil to create a flavorful crust and lock in juices. This initial browning step caramelizes the exterior, adding an extra layer of taste through the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that develops the rich, roasted flavors we associate with delicious cooked meat.

Searing also helps to firm up the chicken’s surface, allowing the mayonnaise and breadcrumb mixture to adhere better, creating a crust that holds up well during baking. This two-step cooking method—searing then baking—ensures the chicken remains moist on the inside while the exterior becomes beautifully crispy and golden.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No garlic Parmesan crusted chicken is complete without the creamy Parmesan sauce that accompanies it. This sauce adds a luxurious and velvety component that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy crust. Made by gently sautéing garlic in butter, then combining heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is rich, flavorful, and smooth.

The garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle warmth and depth, complementing the crust’s flavor while the cream provides indulgent richness. The Parmesan cheese melts into the cream, thickening the sauce and enhancing its cheesy character. Drizzling this sauce over the baked chicken adds moisture, flavor, and an elegant touch, making the dish feel extra special.

Flavor Balance and Texture Contrast

One of the reasons this dish is so satisfying is its careful balance of flavors and textures. The crust provides a crispy, savory shell with hints of garlic and herbs, while the chicken underneath remains tender and juicy. The creamy sauce adds silkiness and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

This interplay between crunchy crust, juicy meat, and smooth sauce creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps the palate engaged. The mild seasoning of the chicken itself ensures the garlic Parmesan flavors shine without overpowering the natural taste of the poultry.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for many meals. Classic accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

For a low-carb option, serve the chicken alongside steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or sautéed spinach. The creamy sauce complements these vegetables nicely, turning simple sides into an elegant pairing.

This dish also works well as a centerpiece for special occasions, easily scaling up to serve larger gatherings. Garnishing with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a pop of color and brightness, enhancing presentation and flavor.

Nutritional Considerations

While this dish is indulgent, it offers a decent nutritional profile, especially considering its homemade nature. Chicken breasts provide lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. The Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and protein, along with beneficial minerals like phosphorus and zinc.

The fat content is higher due to mayonnaise, butter, and heavy cream used in the crust and sauce, so moderation is key, especially for those monitoring fat intake. Sodium levels can be controlled by adjusting added salt and opting for lower-sodium Parmesan when possible.

Overall, this recipe balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice when you want a comforting but relatively balanced meal.

Tips for Success

For the best results, it’s important to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing. This helps achieve a good sear and ensures the crust sticks well. Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies the cooking process and allows for easy transition from stovetop to oven.

When spreading the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture, apply it evenly to create a uniform crust. Pressing the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the chicken ensures it adheres and crisps up nicely in the oven.

Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after baking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Making the sauce while the chicken bakes saves time and ensures it’s ready to serve hot and fresh.

Conclusion

Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flair into your home kitchen. The combination of a crunchy, herbaceous garlic Parmesan crust with tender chicken breasts and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce creates a meal that is both comforting and elegant.

Its balance of textures and flavors, from the crispy crust to the silky sauce, makes it a standout option for family dinners or special occasions. The recipe’s approachable preparation and versatile serving options ensure it can fit into a variety of meal plans and preferences.

Including this recipe on your website will provide readers with an inspiring dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a memorable dining experience. Whether for everyday meals or celebrations, Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers deliciousness and satisfaction in every bite.