Keto-Friendly Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Longhorn Special?

The Parmesan-crusted chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse is a popular dish, and many people have tried to recreate it at home. The recipe involves marinating the chicken, then searing or grilling it, and finally topping it with a Parmesan crust and oven-baking it. The crust typically includes ingredients like Parmesan, Provolone, and Ranch Dressing, while the marinade often features olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.

However, the standard recipe uses panko breadcrumbs, which are not keto-friendly. To make a keto version, people can substitute the breadcrumbs with pork rinds, resulting in a delicious and crispy crust that fits within the keto diet.

Keto-friendly recipe swaps

If you're following a keto diet, it's important to keep an eye on your carb intake and make substitutions where you can. Here are some simple swaps you can make to keep your meals keto-friendly:

Swap pasta for veggie noodles

Veggie noodles are a great option for keto dieters as they are grain-free, low in sugar, and low in carbs. Try zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or butternut squash noodles instead of regular pasta.

Add cauliflower to your dishes

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used to replace carbs like rice and pizza crust. Make your favourite bowls and stir-fry dishes with cauliflower rice, or use it as a base for keto-friendly pizzas.

Use coconut or veggie-based sandwich wraps

Coconut and veggie-based wraps are a keto-friendly alternative to sandwiches or whole wheat wraps. They provide a convenient way to enjoy your favourite sandwich fillings without the extra carbs.

Switch to keto-friendly sweeteners

Removing sugar from your recipes is one of the most effective ways to make them keto-friendly. Instead of sugar, use sweeteners like stevia, Swerve (erythritol), or monk fruit.

Avocados for dessert

Avocados can be used as a base for keto-friendly desserts like puddings and frosting. They provide a creamy texture and healthy fats that will satisfy your sweet tooth without kicking you out of ketosis.

Make your own keto-friendly chips

If you're craving something salty and crunchy, try making your own chips with parmesan cheese. Simply spread shredded parmesan into thin circles on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. You can also use crushed pork rinds as a keto-friendly breading for chicken or fish.

Choose full-fat options

When it comes to dairy, opt for full-fat options like heavy cream instead of traditional coffee creamer. Full-fat dairy is usually lower in carbs and will keep you feeling satisfied for longer.

Use MCT oil for cooking

MCT oil is a great alternative to your usual cooking oil. It is made from medium-chain saturated fat, which is quickly converted into energy by the liver. This can help you stay in ketosis and provide a boost of energy.

Season with spices and herbs

Spices and herbs are a great way to add flavour to your meals without adding carbs. Experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour profiles.

Get creative with low-carb vegetables

There are plenty of low-carb vegetables that can be used in creative ways to satisfy your cravings. Try using lettuce wraps, egg wraps, or coconut/almond flour tortillas instead of bread. You can also use mashed cauliflower, mashed broccoli, or steamed spinach as a substitute for mashed potatoes.

Marinade ingredients

The marinade ingredients for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken can be made from scratch or, for a quicker version, you can use Italian salad dressing.

If you want to make the marinade from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Ranch dressing
• Worcestershire sauce
• Distilled white vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese, chopped into bits

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well-combined and uniform in consistency. Place the chicken in a freezer bag, add the marinade, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.

Alternatively, you can use Italian salad dressing as a marinade. Simply pour the dressing over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. This is a great shortcut if you're short on time!

Chicken preparation methods

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some popular methods to prepare and cook chicken:

Marinating

Marinating chicken involves soaking the meat in a mixture of acids, oils, and spices, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. This technique is often used before grilling, baking, or frying. For example, in the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper before being seared in a skillet.

Grilling

Grilling chicken involves cooking it over a source of direct heat, such as a barbecue grill or a grill pan. This method can give the chicken a smoky flavour and attractive grill marks. Grilled chicken can be served as-is or used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Baking

Baking chicken is a dry heat cooking method that uses an oven to cook the meat. This technique is often used for dishes like chicken breasts, thighs, or casseroles. Baking allows for even cooking and can help retain moisture in the chicken. For example, in the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, the chicken is first seared in a skillet and then topped with a Parmesan crust before being baked in the oven.

Frying

Frying chicken involves cooking it in hot oil or another fat, such as butter. This method can give the chicken a crispy exterior and juicy interior. There are several types of frying, including pan-frying, deep-frying, and stir-frying. Fried chicken can be served as a main dish or used as an ingredient in dishes like sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a moist heat cooking method that uses low temperatures and prolonged cooking times. This technique is ideal for tougher cuts of chicken, as the slow cooking helps to break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender meat. Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, are commonly used for this purpose and are convenient for preparing hands-off meals.

Other Methods

In addition to the above, there are numerous other ways to prepare and cook chicken. Here are a few more examples:

• Roasting: Roasting involves cooking chicken in an oven, often at higher temperatures than baking, to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Poaching: Poaching chicken involves simmering it in a liquid, such as water or broth, at a relatively low temperature. This gentle cooking method helps retain moisture and is often used for chicken breasts.
• Braising: Braising involves first searing the chicken and then cooking it in a small amount of liquid at a low temperature. This technique is suitable for tougher cuts of chicken and can result in tender, flavourful meat.

Parmesan crumb topping

A Parmesan crumb topping is a great way to add a crunchy, savoury texture to a variety of dishes. It is a versatile topping that can be used on everything from chicken to pasta. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious Parmesan crumb topping.

Ingredients

• Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
• Breadcrumbs (dry, panko, or fresh)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Herbs (optional)

Method

The first step is to melt some butter in a skillet or saucepan. The amount of butter you use will depend on how much topping you want to make and the ratio of ingredients you prefer. A good starting point is 2 tablespoons of butter for every 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Once the butter is melted, add your breadcrumbs and sauté until they are lightly browned. If you are using fresh breadcrumbs, you may need to add more butter to coat them adequately.

Next, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the breadcrumbs will be enough to melt the cheese slightly and help it cling to the breadcrumbs. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs at this stage, such as parsley, for extra flavour.

If you are using dry breadcrumbs, you can simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well incorporated. This method is quicker and easier but may result in a less crispy texture.

For a more indulgent topping, you can also add some olive oil to the mixture. This will make the topping richer and more moist, perfect for dishes like pasta bakes or casseroles.

Once your Parmesan crumb topping is ready, simply sprinkle it over your chosen dish and bake or grill until golden and crispy. This topping is a great way to add flavour and texture to a variety of meals, and can be customised to your taste preferences.

Serving suggestions

The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavourful dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany this delicious meal:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the chicken. You can make them even more indulgent by adding cheese and creating scalloped potatoes or a potato casserole.
• Rolls or biscuits: Freshly baked copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls or Buttermilk Biscuits can be a great addition to the meal.

Vegetables

• Roasted or steamed vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and tasty options. You can also try roasted carrots for a sweet and nutritious side.
• Salads: A crisp Green Jacket Salad with lettuce, or a heartier option like a French Onion Chicken salad can complement the dish.

Pasta

• Creamy noodles: A quick and easy side dish can be made by combining spaghetti, cream cheese, and milk.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta: For a more substantial meal, this pasta dish combines the flavours of chicken and buffalo sauce.

Other Suggestions

• French Onion Chicken: This dish combines cream of chicken with other ingredients for a tasty pairing.
• Twice-baked potato casserole: For an extra indulgent option, a potato casserole can be a great choice.

Frequently asked questions