Okay, so you’re looking for that restaurant-quality chicken but want to make it yourself, *especially* for Christmas? You’ve come to the right place! This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas is going to be your new holiday hero. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was honestly a little intimidated, thinking it would be super fussy. But wow, was I wrong! It’s surprisingly simple and tastes *exactly* like the real deal, maybe even better because you made it with love! It’s got that perfect golden crust, super juicy chicken inside, and it just looks stunning on a holiday table. Seriously, it’s a total game-changer for your Christmas dinner plans.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver for the holidays. It’s got that amazing flavor and texture that everyone raves about, but it’s so easy to whip up. Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous on your Christmas table!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust combined with the tender, juicy chicken is a winner for everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet palates. It’s seriously addictive!
- Festive Presentation: That golden-brown, crusted exterior just screams holiday elegance. It looks so impressive, you’ll feel like a fancy chef without all the stress.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a culinary genius for this one! The steps are straightforward, and it comes together pretty quickly, leaving you more time to actually enjoy the holidays.
Gather Your Ingredients for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! Having everything prepped makes this whole process a breeze, especially when you’re trying to juggle a bunch of Christmas dishes. Trust me, it’s worth it to have it all laid out.
Chicken and Marinade Components
We’re starting with two nice, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The trick here is to slice them in half horizontally so they’re thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly! Then, you’ll need one big egg, beaten really well in a shallow dish. This is what our crust is going to stick to, so make sure it’s good and coated.
Parmesan Crust Mix
This is where the magic happens! Grab about half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff, please! Then, we’ll mix in a quarter cup of seasoned breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. Don’t forget a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, plus a quarter teaspoon each of garlic powder and black pepper to give it a little zing. Mix all these dry goodies together in another shallow dish.
Cooking Essentials
For searing, we’ll need about two tablespoons of olive oil. This gets the crust nice and golden before it even hits the oven. Make sure you have an oven-safe skillet handy for this part!
Crafting Your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas is more fun than you think. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a showstopper on your hands.
Preparing the Chicken
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get it nice and hot so it’s ready when we are!
- Now, grab those chicken breasts. You want to slice each one horizontally right in the middle. Think of it like slicing a bagel, but for chicken! This makes them thinner cutlets, which cook more evenly and give you more surface area for that glorious crust.
Creating the Parmesan Crust
In one of your shallow dishes, you’ll combine all the dry ingredients for that amazing crust. We’re talking about the half cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the quarter cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, the tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, and those pinches of garlic powder and black pepper. Give it all a good stir with a fork until everything is nicely mixed. This is your golden ticket to deliciousness!
Coating the Chicken
Okay, this is the fun part – breading! Take one of your sliced chicken cutlets and dip it into the beaten egg. Make sure it’s completely covered, like it’s taking a little egg bath. Let any excess drip off. Then, immediately transfer it to your Parmesan mixture. Press down gently on both sides so that the crust really sticks. You want a nice, even coating all over. Repeat this with all your chicken cutlets. Don’t be shy with the crust mix!
Searing for Golden Perfection
Get your oven-safe skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add those two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (be careful, it splatters!), carefully place your crusted chicken cutlets into the skillet. You want to sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown color and starting that crunchy texture before it even goes into the oven.
Baking to Juicy Doneness
Once both sides of the chicken are golden brown, carefully transfer the entire oven-safe skillet into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on how thick your cutlets are. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) right in the thickest part of the chicken. It should be cooked through and super juicy!
Resting and Finishing Touches
Once it’s done, take the skillet out of the oven. This is super important: let the chicken rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before you serve it. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and moist. If you’re feeling extra fancy or want an even crispier crust, you can pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!
Tips for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas Success
Making this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas is pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make it absolutely perfect every single time.
Achieving a Crispy Crust
The key to that amazing crust is pressing the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken after you dip it in the egg. Don’t be gentle! Really coat it well. And, of course, that initial sear in the hot skillet is crucial for getting it golden and starting the crispiness before it even goes into the oven.
Ensuring Even Cooking
Slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally is your best friend here. It makes them thinner and cooks much more evenly. Always use a meat thermometer if you can; aiming for that 165°F internal temperature is the surest way to know it’s done without drying out.
Flavor Enhancements
If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan mix for a little heat, or maybe some Italian seasoning if you have it on hand. A tiny bit of lemon zest in the crust mix is also lovely!
Serving Your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas is the star of the show, but the right sides make it a complete holiday feast! It looks so elegant on a platter, especially with a sprinkle of extra parsley.
Perfect Pairings
It’s absolutely divine with creamy mashed potatoes – they’re like a cozy blanket for the crispy chicken. A bright, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted asparagus or green beans also make beautiful and delicious additions to your Christmas dinner spread! For another great side, try our honey roasted carrots.
Frequently Asked Questions about Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
Got questions about making this amazing Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas? I totally get it! Here are some things people often ask:
Can I make this ahead of time?
You know, it’s best enjoyed fresh! The crust really shines when it’s just out of the oven. You *can* bread the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few hours, but I wouldn’t cook it and then try to reheat it. It tends to lose that perfect crispiness. For the best Christmas dinner experience, try to make it right before serving!
What are good side dishes for this chicken?
Oh, so many things! Beyond the classic mashed potatoes and salad we talked about, it’s also fantastic with some garlic butter noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some fluffy rice. Anything that feels a bit comforting and festive works brilliantly alongside this chicken. You might also enjoy our Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Alfredo.
How do I ensure the crust sticks well?
The key is a two-step process! First, make sure the chicken is fully coated in the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, when you press it into the Parmesan mixture, really give it a good press on both sides. Don’t be shy! You want that crust to really adhere. If it feels a little loose, give it another quick dip in the egg and then back into the Parmesan mixture. That usually does the trick!
Storing and Reheating Your Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
Leftover Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas is still delicious! Once it’s cooled, wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to get some of that crispiness back is in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, it can make the crust a bit soggy!
Nutritional Estimate for Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas
Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate as everyone’s cooking can vary a bit! A serving of this delicious Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas typically comes in around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat, 30g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty satisfying meal!
Share Your Festive Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas Experience
I really hope you try this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for Christmas! It’s such a special dish. Did you make it for your holiday table? I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you! Please drop a comment below and let me know what you thought, or even rate the recipe! You might also like our Christmas Prime Rib for another holiday favorite.
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Perfect Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A copycat recipe for Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, perfect for a festive Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press each side of the chicken into the Parmesan mixture, coating evenly.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or a salad.
- Ensure the Parmesan mixture adheres well to the chicken for a good crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Longhorn Steakhouse, Copycat Recipe, Chicken Dinner, Christmas Dinner, Festive Meal