Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Rana

2 months ago

If you’re craving crispy, cheesy, and juicy chicken, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer! The chicken is marinated to perfection, seared for a golden-brown crust, and then topped with a buttery, cheesy, crunchy parmesan topping. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a fancy weekend meal, this recipe is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

This homemade version is inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken, but honestly? It’s even better! Let’s dive in and make your new favorite chicken dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Cheesy – The golden parmesan crust adds an irresistible crunch and cheesy goodness.
Juicy & Flavorful – Thanks to a simple but delicious marinade, the chicken stays moist and tender.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just marinate, sear, top with cheese, and broil!
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Skip the takeout and enjoy gourmet chicken for a fraction of the price!
Perfect for Meal Prep – This chicken stores well and tastes amazing even after reheating.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Pound them to an even thickness for juicy results.
Salt & Black Pepper – A simple yet essential seasoning for flavor.
Vegetable Oil – Helps achieve a crispy sear.

For the Marinade (Or use Italian Dressing as a shortcut!)

Olive Oil – Adds moisture and richness.
Ranch Dressing – The secret ingredient for a creamy, flavorful marinade.
Worcestershire Sauce – Boosts the umami factor.
White Vinegar & Lemon Juice – Tenderizes the chicken while adding brightness.
Minced Garlic – Because everything is better with garlic!
Black Pepper – Enhances the marinade’s depth.

For the Parmesan Crust

Parmesan Cheese & Provolone Cheese – A deliciously melty and flavorful cheese combo.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – Makes the cheese topping extra creamy.
Melted Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the topping.
Panko Breadcrumbs – The secret to a super crispy topping.
Garlic Powder – A must for extra flavor!

📌 Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth.
Place chicken breasts in a freezer bag and pound them to ½ inch thick using a meat tenderizer.
Transfer the chicken to a new freezer bag, pour in the marinade, and seal tightly.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, without moving it, until golden brown.
Once fully cooked, transfer to a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust

Preheat the oven to a low broil (450°F).
In a bowl, combine the Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing.
Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
Spread the cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Topping & Broil

In another bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle evenly over the cheese-covered chicken.
Broil for 3-4 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor – The longer the chicken marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – For the best sear, a cast-iron pan works wonders!
Don’t Skip the Pounding Step – Even thickness = even cooking (and no dry chicken!).
Watch the Broiler Closely – It only takes a few minutes to get that crispy topping—so don’t walk away!
Make It Extra Cheesy – Add extra Provolone slices on top before broiling for extra melty goodness.

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This crispy parmesan chicken pairs perfectly with:

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes balance the crunchy topping.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – A simple, healthy side.
Garlic Butter Pasta – For an extra indulgent meal!
Caesar Salad – Keeps it fresh and light.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to keep the crust crispy.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken (without the topping) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Add the cheese topping fresh before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until warm.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, but the crust may soften.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time since thighs take longer to cook through.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, then add the cheese topping under the broiler.

What can I use instead of Provolone cheese?

Mozzarella, White Cheddar, or Gouda make great substitutes while keeping that melty, cheesy texture.

How do I make this dish low-carb?

To make it keto-friendly, replace the Panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delivers the perfect balance of juicy, crispy, and cheesy in every bite! It’s a quick, easy, and restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this chicken is always a winner.

Give it a try and let me know how you like it!