Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¾ inch thickness)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Construction
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Assemble the Chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Top each piece with shredded provolone cheese, then spoon the Parmesan crust mixture over the cheese.
- Broil to Finish:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan crust for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Crusted: Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Marination Time: Longer marination enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
- Broiling: Keep an eye on the chicken under the broiler to avoid burning the crust.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken!