Dive into this drool-worthy copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in under an hour! Marinated in a zesty blend with olive oil, ranch, and a hint of lemon, then topped with a creamy Parm-Provolone mix and crispy breadcrumbs. Forget takeout; this is next-level home cooking!
A pinch of salt & pepperadjusted to your preference
3tablespoonsof vegetable oil for that perfect sear
Marinade Magic (For the time-pressed: A bottle of Italian Salad Dressing works wonders!):
1/3cupof the finest olive oil
1/3cupof creamy ranch dressing
2tablespoonsof Worcestershire sauce for that tang
1teaspoonof distilled white vinegar
A squeeze1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
1tablespoonof freshly minced garlic
1/2teaspoonof freshly ground pepper
Glorious Parmesan Crust:
1/2cupof aromatic Parmesan cheesefinely chopped
1/2cupof luscious Provolone cheesefinely chopped
6tablespoonsof Buttermilk Ranch salad dressingClassic Ranch will do the trick too!
4tablespoonsof silky melted butter
3/4cupof crispy panko breadcrumbs
2teaspoonsof garlic powder for that extra punch
Instructions
Marinating the Star of the Show:
Whisk all those delectable marinade ingredients together till you get a smooth, well-blended concoction.
Lay your chicken in a spacious gallon freezer bag, expel the air, and seal it securely. Employ your trusty meat tenderizer and gently pound until about 1/2 inch in thickness. Here's a tip: It'll get a bit more voluptuous once cooked.
Season each side of the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to your liking.
Transfer your chicken to a fresh freezer bag, drench it with the marinade, seal, and refrigerate. Let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes or, if you can wait, overnight for a deeper infusion.
The Searing Dance:
In a skillet, preferably cast iron for that unbeatable sear, heat 2-3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Lay the chicken and let it sizzle untouched for 4-5 minutes on each side, aiming for that divine golden hue. If your pan throws a tantrum and gets too hot, turn the heat down a notch. Once it's perfectly seared, nestle the chicken onto a fresh plate or baking sheet, cloak with foil to retain warmth.
The Crowning Glory - Parmesan Crust:
Set your oven to low broil, reaching about 450° F.
In a mixing bowl, blend together Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch dressing. Microwave this trio in 15-second bursts, giving a gentle stir between each round, until it achieves a molten state. Lavishly layer this on the chicken.
Broil this beauty for 3 minutes or until the cheese starts whispering golden secrets.
Meanwhile, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs. Adorn your chicken with this mixture.
Broil for just about a minute till the breadcrumbs flirt with a golden tint. Keep a vigilant eye!