If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken, then you absolutely must try the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This dish brings that irresistible comfort-food vibe straight to your kitchen with its luscious blend of ranch dressing, Parmesan, and melty provolone cheese. The flavors meld beautifully while baking to create a golden, bubbly crust that’s so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe is pure magic on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and how thoughtfully each ingredient plays its part. Every element enhances texture, taste, or color, coming together effortlessly for a sensational bake.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender base that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty crust topping with that signature Longhorn flair.
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a rich, gooey blanket of cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Brings creamy tang and seasoning depth; ranch is the secret to that irresistible flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to balance the tangy ranch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps achieve a subtle golden sear before baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with mellow garlic aroma without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory base flavor and pairs perfectly with garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and a touch of inviting color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the creamy flavors.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh green and a subtle herbal note to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This luscious mixture will coat the chicken, infusing it with flavor while keeping it wonderfully moist.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. This step ensures that your chicken gets a nice golden touch and prevents drying out during baking.
Step 3: Layer the Flavors
Spread the ranch and sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Then sprinkle a generous half cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the saucy topping, followed by a blanket of shredded provolone or mozzarella. These layers create the iconic cheesy crust that makes this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should be perfectly melted and bubbling—this is your signal that dinner is nearly ready.
Step 5: Optional Broil and Garnish
For that golden, slightly crisp cheese topping reminiscent of your favorite restaurant, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
While the chicken is stunning on its own, adding fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a delightful herbal contrast to the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side can also lift the flavors with a fresh citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. The key is to balance the cheesy richness with lighter, fresh sides to create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside a crisp green salad for a casual vibe, or plate it alongside a colorful quinoa pilaf for a vibrant, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal again without losing any flavor or moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to maintain moisture, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides provolone or mozzarella?
Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella melt wonderfully, feel free to experiment with mild cheddar, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe requires no breadcrumbs or wheat-based ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for a few hours before preparing this recipe adds a zesty flavor boost and helps tenderize the meat further.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
If you don’t have ranch on hand, mix mayonnaise with a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a splash of buttermilk or milk to create a quick homemade ranch substitute.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—when it reads 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken, your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, with every bite delivering creamy, cheesy satisfaction. It’s straightforward to make but impresses every time you set it on the table. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a treasured favorite in your rotation—delicious dinners just got so much easier and tastier!
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Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and flavorful baked chicken dish topped with a creamy ranch and sour cream mixture, Parmesan, and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. This comforting American classic is perfect for a satisfying dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and brush both sides lightly with olive oil to help the chicken stay moist and add flavor.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spread the ranch and sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, followed by a generous topping of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: If desired, broil the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if using, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Serve this cheesy chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking throughout.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before baking.
