Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Gourmet Delight at Home
Transform your dinner table into a gourmet experience with this exquisite Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. Juicy marinated chicken breasts are topped with a luscious cheese sauce and a crispy Parmesan-Panko crust, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner party, this recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken:
- 12 ounces Chicken Breasts (2 portions): Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For even cooking, slice them horizontally.
- 1 cup Lea & Perrin’s Chicken Marinade: A flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 2 teaspoons Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving a golden brown sear on the chicken breasts.
- 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and crispy, perfect for the topping.
- 1 tablespoon Melted Butter: Combines with the Panko for a rich, golden crust.
For the Cheese Blend:
- 1 ounce Gruyere Cheese, Shredded: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
- 4 ounces White Cheddar, Shredded: Provides a sharp, tangy bite.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, Shredded: Enhances the topping with its salty, umami taste.
- 2 ounces Fontina Cheese, Shredded: Melts beautifully for a gooey, luscious texture.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: The base for the decadent cheese sauce.
- 1/2 cup Cheese Blend (from the Cheese Blend Above): Melts into the cream to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner, even portions.
- Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Sauce:
2. Create the Cheese Blend
- Mix: In a bowl, combine Gruyere, white Cheddar, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses. This blend will be used for both the sauce and the topping.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Heat: In a small skillet, gently heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat.
- Melt: Add 1/2 cup of the cheese blend to the cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Cook the Chicken:
4. Sear the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook: Remove the marinated chicken from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
Assemble and Broil:
5. Preheat the Broiler
- Broil: Set your broiler to high to prepare for the final crisping step.
6. Assemble the Chicken
- Layer: Place the cooked chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish. Spoon the cheese sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Top: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend over the sauce-covered chicken.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping
- Mix: Combine the Panko bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese-topped chicken.
8. Broil to Perfection
- Broil: Place the dish under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the Panko topping is golden brown.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Be aware that the Panko topping may not stay as crispy.
Helpful Tips for Enhancing the Recipe
Choose Quality Cheese: Using high-quality cheese makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavors.
Even Slicing: Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Low and Slow for the Sauce: Heat the cream gently and add the cheese slowly to prevent it from curdling.
Crispy Panko Topping: Toss the Panko in melted butter thoroughly for an even, golden crust.
Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Custom Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Gouda for a unique twist.
Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Popular Questions and Answers
What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
- Answer: You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter, but the sauce may be less rich.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Answer: Yes, chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken?
- Answer: Broiling adds a crispy topping and bubbly cheese, but you can skip this step if preferred.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Answer: Yes, marinate the chicken and prepare the cheese blend in advance. Cook and assemble just before serving.
What if I don’t have Lea & Perrin’s Chicken Marinade?
- Answer: You can use any favorite chicken marinade or make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?
- Answer: Keep the heat low and stir constantly while adding the cheese to the cream.
Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality cheese and chicken make a world of difference.
Maintain Consistent Heat: Keep a consistent medium heat while cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling creates a delicious, crispy topping that’s essential for this dish.
Keep an Eye on the Broiler: Broilers can vary, so watch the chicken closely to prevent burning.
Season Well: Season the chicken and cheese sauce generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavors.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking to absorb all the juices.
Customize the Cheese Blend: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite cheeses to make this dish your own.
Enjoy this delightful Parmesan Crusted Chicken, bringing the elegance of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your home kitchen
