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Hey there, busy cooks! 👋 Tired of dinner dilemmas? Craving something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen? You’ve landed in the right place! We’re about to dive into a Longhorn Chicken recipe that’s not only incredibly tasty but also unbelievably simple. Get ready to impress your family (or just yourself!) with a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite steakhouse, but is easy enough for any weeknight.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Chicken Recipe
Let’s be honest, weeknights can be hectic. Between work, errands, and everything else life throws at us, the last thing we need is a complicated dinner recipe. That’s where this **Longhorn Chicken recipe** shines! Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts bursting with flavor, all thanks to a simple yet magical blend of garlic, butter, and parmesan. Yes, you heard that right – restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort! This recipe is designed for busy folks like you who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Ready to discover just how easy and delicious dinner can be? Let’s get cooking!
Printable Recipe Card: Your Easy Longhorn Chicken Guide!
Effortless & Flavor-Packed Longhorn Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet Cast iron or non-stick
- 1 Small Bowl For seasoning
- 1 Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet For pounding chicken
- Measuring Spoons and Cups For accurate measurements
- 1 Meat Thermometer To ensure chicken is cooked through
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts boneless, skinless, about 6-8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Gently pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to an even ½ inch thickness.
- Combine Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides.
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over chicken. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley (optional), and serve immediately.
Notes
Cheese Variations: Try Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses instead of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, or your favorite sides.
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients for This Longhorn Chicken
Full Ingredient List
- 2 boneless, skinless **chicken breasts** (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons **unsalted butter**
- 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
- ¼ cup grated **Parmesan cheese**
- 1 teaspoon **Italian seasoning**
- ½ teaspoon **salt**
- ¼ teaspoon **black pepper**
- 1 tablespoon **olive oil**
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Smart Ingredient Swaps and Easy Substitutions
We believe in using what you have and making cooking work for you! Here are a few easy swaps to keep things flexible:
- No Parmesan? No Problem! Swap Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor, or use shredded mozzarella for a milder, meltier option. Both will create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Fresh Garlic Out? Garlic Powder to the Rescue! If you’re out of fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead. While fresh garlic is best, garlic powder is a great pantry staple in a pinch.
- Spice it Up! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. This will add a subtle warmth that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
Budget-Friendly Tips and Finding Ingredients
Delicious meals don’t have to break the bank! Here are some tips to keep this Longhorn Chicken recipe budget-friendly and accessible:
- Chicken Breast on a Budget: Chicken breasts can sometimes be pricey. Look for sales on family packs of chicken breasts and freeze any you won’t use immediately. Buying in bulk and freezing is a great way to save money.
- Pantry Staples to the Rescue: Many of the ingredients in this recipe, like butter, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, are likely already in your pantry. This makes it an economical choice for a weeknight meal.
- Cheese Savings: Purchase a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself – it’s often cheaper than buying pre-grated cheese and tastes fresher too!
Time to Cook! Your Step-by-Step Guide for Longhorn Chicken
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have mouthwatering Longhorn Chicken on your table in no time. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you every step of the way!
- Prep the Chicken: Gently pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear! Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to help it adhere. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s key to flavor!
- Garlic Butter Magic: In a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works great!), melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Tip: Fragrant garlic is happy garlic! Don’t let it brown too much, or it will become bitter.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan! If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- Parmesan Crust Finish: Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Cover the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and slightly golden. Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent it from burning. We want melty, golden goodness!
- Serve and Enjoy! Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Longhorn Chicken with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews!
Our Best Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Longhorn Chicken
Want to take your Longhorn Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for guaranteed success:
- Pound it Out for Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is not just about making them cook faster – it’s crucial for even cooking! Thin, even chicken breasts cook much more uniformly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
- Don’t Skip the Searing Step: Searing the chicken in butter and olive oil creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and locks in the juices. High heat and a hot pan are your friends here!
- Garlic First, Flavor Always: Blooming the garlic in butter and oil before adding the chicken infuses the oil with amazing garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Cheese Placement Matters: Adding the Parmesan cheese at the very end and covering the skillet allows the cheese to melt beautifully and create that irresistible cheesy crust we all crave.
- Rest is Best (Briefly): While not strictly necessary for this quick recipe, letting the chicken rest for a minute or two after cooking can help redistribute the juices, resulting in even more tender chicken.
What to Serve with Your Delicious Longhorn Chicken: Perfect Pairings
Longhorn Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many sides! Here are a few of our favorite serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Classic Comfort: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven with the rich flavors of Longhorn Chicken. Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a balanced plate.
- Fresh & Light: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a vibrant Caprese salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Serve alongside quinoa or couscous for a grain-based side that soaks up all those delicious garlic butter pan juices. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are also fantastic. For another hearty option, consider pairing it with pork recipes for a varied menu throughout the week.
- Bread Basket Bliss: Don’t forget some crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that flavorful sauce!
How to Store and Reheat Your Delicious Longhorn Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Longhorn Chicken reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the Longhorn Chicken to cool completely before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Store any leftover side dishes separately for best results.
- Reheating in the Skillet: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and gently reheat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Microwave Reheating (Quick & Easy): If you’re short on time, you can reheat Longhorn Chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking for doneness, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the chicken.
- Oven Reheating (For Larger Portions): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Longhorn Chicken in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the dish to keep it moist. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Your Longhorn Chicken FAQ: Simple Answers for Confident Cooking
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions about making Longhorn Chicken, designed to help beginner cooks feel confident in the kitchen:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe. They may take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken by pounding and seasoning it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best texture, we recommend cooking it fresh.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? You can make your own Italian seasoning blend by combining dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Or, simply use a mix of any two or three of these dried herbs you have on hand.
- Can I add other cheeses besides Parmesan? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or meltier cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. A blend of cheeses can also be delicious!
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The safest and most accurate way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.
Time to Savor Your Delicious Longhorn Chicken and Share the Joy
Congratulations, you’ve just made an incredible Longhorn Chicken dish that’s perfect for any weeknight (or weekend!). This recipe is all about bringing deliciousness to your table with simplicity and ease. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you serve it with? Share your creations with our friendly community! Rate this recipe below, leave a comment, and tag us in your photos on social media. Let’s inspire each other and make cooking a joyful journey together! Follow us for more easy and delicious recipes on Instagram and Pinterest. Happy cooking!
