Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A Homemade Version of the Legendary Restaurant Favorite
If you’ve ever eaten at Longhorn Steakhouse, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped with a golden Parmesan crust — it’s no wonder this dish has a cult following.
Luckily, you can now recreate this restaurant-quality dish right at home. With a perfect balance of bold, savory flavors and creamy, cheesy indulgence, this copycat version is so satisfying you may never need to order it out again.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 portions)
- 1 cup Lea & Perrins Chicken Marinade (or your favorite savory marinade)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Cheese Blend:
- 1 ounce Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces white Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
Tip: You can substitute similar melty cheeses if needed — Swiss for Gruyere, mozzarella for Fontina, etc.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup of the prepared cheese blend (from above)
Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)
- Servings: 2 generous portions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating thinner fillets that cook quickly and evenly. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow container and pour in 1 cup of chicken marinade. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best to ensure deep flavor and tenderness.
Marinating tip: Let the chicken come to room temp for 20 minutes before cooking for the best sear.
2. Prepare the Cheese Blend and Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Gruyere, white Cheddar, Parmesan, and Fontina to create your cheese blend. Set aside.
To make the creamy cheese sauce, gently heat ½ cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once warm (but not boiling), stir in ½ cup of the cheese blend. Whisk continuously until the mixture melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6–7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes on the other, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and both sides are golden brown.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed to maintain a good sear.
4. Assemble and Broil
Preheat your broiler on high. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a broiler-safe baking dish or tray.
Spoon the cheese sauce over each piece of chicken. Top with the remaining shredded cheese blend to cover the surface. In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the cheesy chicken.
Place under the broiler for 3–4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is crisp and golden brown.
Broiler tip: Don’t walk away! Broilers work fast — keep an eye on it.
Serve It Up!
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to settle and makes slicing easier.
Serve with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A crisp side salad
- Or over pasta for the ultimate comfort meal
Leftovers & Storage
- To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Use the oven or air fryer to keep the topping crispy. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust. Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
Variations:
- Add spice: Stir a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper into the cheese sauce.
- Herb it up: Add chopped parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb topping.
- Make it keto: Skip the breadcrumbs and broil with just the cheese layer.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is exactly what a comfort food dinner should be — bold, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy, yet is surprisingly simple to put together.
Try it once, and it’ll definitely become a regular in your rotation.