Are you ready to bring the savory flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right into your kitchen? This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe makes it simple to recreate that restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. The allure of tender chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and encrusted with a golden blend of cheeses, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Not only is it delicious, but the blend of textures—from the crispy crust to the juicy chicken—makes this dish a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; a handful of quality ingredients combine to create an unforgettable dinner that showcases your culinary skills without complicated techniques. Whether you serve it with a side of seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ranch, Parmesan, and provolone delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite.
- Quick and Easy: A fantastic meal option that takes only 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy crust and tender chicken.
- Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Make Ahead: Easily prep this dish in advance for an even quicker weeknight dinner.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin creating this delectable Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized, which will make the cooking process more enjoyable. You’ll need the following tools: a heavy skillet for searing, a baking dish or sheet for oven cooking, and mixing bowls for combining your ranch and crust ingredients. It’s also helpful to have a meat mallet on hand to flatten the chicken breasts evenly, which will ensure they cook through uniformly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the chicken. This step is vital as it sets the stage for a beautifully cooked, golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and flatten them gently. This can be accomplished by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and using a meat mallet. Once flattened, season each breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken significantly.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them until they achieve a lovely golden brown color on each side, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a flavorful crust.
Step 4: Make the ranch spread
While the chicken is searing, prepare the ranch spread by combining the ranch dressing and sour cream in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. This ranch mixture adds a creamy element to your chicken and complements the cheesy crust wonderfully.
Step 5: Prepare the crust
In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone or mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and dried parsley. This mixture will be the crown jewel of your dish, providing a crunchy, cheesy topping that everyone will love.
Step 6: Assemble and bake
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Spread a generous layer of the ranch mixture over each seared chicken breast. Next, evenly distribute the Parmesan crust mixture over the top, pressing it down slightly to ensure it adheres well. Place the assembled chicken breasts in a baking dish and transfer them to your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Once the chicken is baked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the ranch mixture for an extra veggie boost.
- Spices: Try adding Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for an additional kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the chicken is completely cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer a crunchier crust, broil the chicken for an additional minute at the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for extra flavor and texture.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the ranch dressing overnight for more intense flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 860mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use whole grain breadcrumbs for a healthier twist.
What sides pair well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Great options include steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and freeze it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a true culinary delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its appealing flavors and easy preparation, it allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience without the need to step outside your home. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own—feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations! We encourage you to share your experiences in the comments or share this delicious recipe with friends. Happy cooking!
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the chicken.
- Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and flatten them gently. Season each breast with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown on each side.
- While the chicken is searing, prepare the ranch spread by combining ranch dressing and sour cream.
- In another bowl, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone or mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and dried parsley.
- Spread a layer of ranch mixture over each seared chicken breast and top with the Parmesan crust mixture. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crunchier crust, broil for an additional minute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Protein: 36 g