Introduction
Longhorn Steakhouse is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, and one of its standout menu items is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish features a juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, often served with a rich cream sauce and sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. It’s a comforting, indulgent meal that strikes a perfect balance between crunchy, cheesy goodness and juicy chicken.
The History of Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein, chicken breast has been a staple in global cuisine due to its mild flavor and easy adaptability. It’s commonly used in a variety of dishes, from fried chicken to grilled salads.
- Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese from Italy, Parmesan has been a prized ingredient in cooking for centuries. Its nutty, savory flavor makes it a perfect addition to crusts, sauces, and pasta dishes.
- Breadcrumbs: Used as a coating, breadcrumbs help create a crispy texture when fried or baked. Breadcrumbs have been around for centuries and are often made from leftover bread, contributing to the sustainable use of food.
- Cream: Cream has long been used to add richness to sauces, soups, and desserts. In this dish, cream enhances the texture and flavor, giving the Parmesan chicken a luscious coating.
- Garlic and Herbs: Garlic has been a cornerstone in both ancient and modern cooking, adding aromatic depth. Herbs like thyme and rosemary are used to bring out the flavors and make the dish more fragrant.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chicken Breast (4 pieces): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of the dish, providing a lean and tender protein.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Provides a savory, nutty flavor and helps form the crispy crust.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds texture and helps create the crispy coating.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used to help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Flour (1/2 cup): Dusted on the chicken before dipping in egg and breadcrumbs to help the coating adhere.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Used to create a rich sauce that coats the chicken.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the chicken.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that complement the chicken and Parmesan.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Once hot, place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven to finish cooking (about 10-15 minutes) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and plate it.
- Spoon the cream sauce over the crispy chicken, and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt and coat the chicken more evenly than pre-grated Parmesan.
- Pounding the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook more evenly and quickly.
- Make It Extra Crispy: For an even crunchier coating, dip the chicken a second time in the egg and breadcrumb mixture before frying.
- Adjust Cream Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk.
Variations and Customizations:
- Add Veggies: You can serve the Parmesan chicken with a side of sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even a simple salad for extra freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a spicy twist.
- Substitute Chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use a smaller amount of cream and add chicken broth to the sauce, or even substitute with a lighter milk alternative.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- High in Protein: The chicken breast provides a good amount of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- High in Fat: The cream and butter add richness but also increase the fat content. You can reduce the fat by using lower-fat dairy or substituting part of the cream with broth.
- Calories: The Parmesan crust and cream sauce make this a calorie-dense dish. However, you can make it lighter by modifying the sauce and coating.
FAQ:
- Can I make this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the cream sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- Absolutely! You can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. This eliminates the need for frying.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with a gluten-free option (like cornstarch or rice flour).
- How do I store leftovers?
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results to retain the crispiness.
- What should I serve with this dish?
- You can serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Longhorn Steakhouse is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, and one of its standout menu items is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish features a juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, often served with a rich cream sauce and sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. It's a comforting, indulgent meal that strikes a perfect balance between crunchy, cheesy goodness and juicy chicken.
Ingredients
- 01 – 4 chicken breasts boneless skinless.
- 02 – 1 cup bread crumbs.
- 03 – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 04 – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 05 – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
- 06 – 2 large eggs.
- 07 – 1/4 cup milk.
- 08 – 2 cloves garlic minced.
- 09 – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 10 – 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 11 – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 12 – 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Instructions
- 01 – Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, seasonings in one dish. Beat eggs and milk in another. Put flour in third dish.
- 02 – Dredge chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture.
- 03 – Cook chicken in olive oil 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to baking dish.
- 04 – Mix remaining Parmesan with mozzarella and garlic. Top chicken and bake 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
01 – Can use Italian breadcrumbs.
02 – Add red pepper flakes for heat.