Easy Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe at Home
Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe: A delightful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory parmesan crust, promising a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- The longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe requires several essential kitchen tools to ensure optimal preparation and cooking:
- Baking sheet: For baking the chicken in the oven.
- Shallow Dishes: Three shallow dishes or plates for the flour, egg, and parmesan mixture
- Mixing Bowls: To hold and mix ingredients.
- Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese.
- Meat Mallet (Optional): For pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Tongs or Spatula: For handling the chicken.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Oven: For baking the chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). If desired, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Dredge the Chicken (Optional): If using, lightly dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the Parmesan crust adhere better.
- Step 4: Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the cheese adheres well on both sides. Ensure the chicken is fully coated for maximum flavor and crispness.
- Step 5: Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The Parmesan crust should be golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve hot with your favorite sides. For a lower-carb option, omit the Panko breadcrumbs and increase the amount of Parmesan cheese. To add a touch of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the Parmesan mixture. Lemon zest will brighten up the flavors, adding it to your recipe.
Notes
Variations
The longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe lends itself well to various adaptations, allowing for personalized culinary experiences:
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Cheese: Instead of parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or a blend of parmesan and asiago for a nutty taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Almond flour can replace Panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herb combinations such as rosemary and thyme, or a blend of parsley, basil, and oregano.
- Spices: Incorporating smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Regional Twists:
- Italian: Add a layer of thinly sliced prosciutto under the parmesan crust.
- Mexican: Mix chili powder and cumin into the parmesan mixture, serving with salsa and avocado.
- Mediterranean: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped Kalamata olives over the chicken after baking.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Panko. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Omit the breadcrumbs entirely, using only parmesan cheese and seasonings for the crust.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan cheese to achieve a cheesy flavor while remaining dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
The longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe offers versatility in its presentation and can be served in numerous ways:
- Classic Dinner: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta also make excellent accompaniments.
- Salad Topper: Slice the chicken and place it atop a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of pesto or aioli.
- Pasta Dish: Cut the chicken into strips and toss with your favorite pasta, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of the longhorn parmesan crusted chicken:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F (175C) until warmed through, or in a microwave. For frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating in the oven helps retain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
While convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese generally melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties, due to the absence of added cellulose. - Question 2: How can I prevent the crust from falling off?
Patting the chicken dry before coating and pressing the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken helps the crust adhere better. Dredging the chicken in flour before coating can also improve adhesion. - Question 3: Can I bake the chicken on a wire rack?
Yes, baking the chicken on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet allows air to circulate, promoting even crisping of the crust. - Question 4: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
The chicken can be coated with the Parmesan mixture ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save time on busy weeknights.