If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy indulgence with tender, juicy chicken, you’ve just found your new favorite with this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s an irresistible harmony of flavors with ranch, Parmesan, and melty provolone or mozzarella cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s the kind of hearty, comforting meal that makes everyone ask for seconds and keeps your kitchen smelling like a dream. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe brings all the savory goodness with a side of easy prep and serious flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and lovely textures. Each item, from the creamy ranch to the sharp Parmesan, plays a role in making this chicken truly unforgettable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors while staying juicy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty crust that crisps up delightfully during baking.
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly on top, creating that signature cheesy blanket everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Brings creamy tang and herbaceous zest directly to the chicken.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to balance the cheese and ranch perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps develop a nice, light sear before baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses deep, warm flavors that pair wonderfully with the creamy coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that gives a lovely contrast and pretty presentation.
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated by the time you’re ready to bake. Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures the chicken won’t stick and allows those cheeses to melt into a luscious layer without any cleanup nightmares.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, flavorful mixture is the heart of your Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe—rich enough to keep the chicken moist and packing a punch of herbs and spices.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in your greased baking dish. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil; this extra step locks in moisture and ensures a lovely texture. Don’t skip this—your chicken will thank you with juiciness and a beautiful golden glow.
Step 4: Layer the Sauce and Cheese
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the ranch and sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the sauce, following up with your shredded provolone or mozzarella to create that irresistible melty top layer. This triple-layer of flavor and texture is what makes this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and melted. For that extra golden, slightly crispy cheese finish, set your oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through all the cheese richness beautifully. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil or some cracked black pepper for visual appeal and an extra flavor kick.
Side Dishes
The creamy and cheesy nature of this Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe pairs perfectly with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, or even a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. These sides balance the richness and create a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right from the baking dish to keep the rustic charm, or plate each breast on a bed of creamy polenta for an elegant presentation. You can also slice the chicken and serve it atop fresh greens for a hearty salad that still boasts all those luscious Longhorn Parmesan Chicken flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors again without losing any of the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag, for up to 2 months. To preserve as much flavor and texture as possible, avoid freezing the dish with the cheese topping already melted; instead, freeze chicken separately and add cheese fresh before baking again.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Longhorn Parmesan Chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is an option but can make the chicken a bit rubbery, so stick with the oven method for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella work beautifully for their meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that creamy top layer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that your ranch dressing and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I marinate the chicken before baking?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes to an hour adds an extra layer of flavor and tenderness, making the final dish even more delicious. Just pat the chicken dry before adding the creamy sauce mixture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a little zing.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions, yes! Use dairy-free sour cream and ranch dressing alternatives, and replace Parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheeses designed to melt. The texture and flavor will shift somewhat but still make for a tasty dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe has quickly earned its place as a go-to comfort food that’s both easy to make and impressive in flavor. The creamy ranch, sharp Parmesan, and gooey melted cheese create a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your recipe for tasty, cheesy chicken goodness time and time again. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
Print
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
This Longhorn Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts baked to perfection with a creamy ranch and sour cream sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese crust. It’s a flavorful, comforting main course that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
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
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil to keep them moist during baking.
- Coat with Sauce: Spread the ranch and sour cream mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
- Add the Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce layer on the chicken. Then, top each piece with the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, crispy cheese top, broil the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Serve this cheesy chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
- You can use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in Italian dressing for 1-2 hours before baking.
