Steak may be the headline act at LongHorn Steakhouse, but one chicken dish has quietly become just as popular. The parmesan crusted chicken combines a juicy, fire-grilled chicken breast with a rich, golden cheese topping, and it consistently ranks among the most-ordered entrées on the entire menu.
This guide covers everything worth knowing before you order, including price, portion sizes, calories, ingredients, and how to make the most of a visit.
What Is the LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This entrée starts with a boneless, skinless chicken breast, seasoned with LongHorn’s house blend of herbs and spices, then grilled over an open flame.
Once cooked, it’s topped with a rich Parmesan and garlic cheese crust made from a mix of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and herbs, then finished until the topping turns golden and slightly crisp.
The result is a dish that layers a smoky, char-grilled base with a creamy, savory topping, giving it a texture and flavor profile that’s noticeably different from a typical grilled or breaded chicken entrée. Parmesan crusted chicken
How It’s Different From Fried Chicken Options
Unlike hand-breaded or fried chicken items elsewhere on the menu, this dish is grilled first and only the topping is baked to a crisp finish.
That means the chicken itself stays lean and smoky rather than deep-fried, while the crust delivers the indulgent, cheesy richness that keeps guests ordering it again.
It’s this combination a healthier cooking method paired with a genuinely rich topping that sets the dish apart from both plain grilled chicken and heavier fried alternatives.
Available Portion Sizes
LongHorn typically offers this entrée in two sizes: a smaller 7 to 9-ounce portion, often associated with the lunch menu, and a larger 12-ounce portion aimed at dinner guests with a bigger appetite.
The larger portion usually consists of two smaller breasts or one substantial cut, giving diners a noticeably heartier meal than the lunch-sized version.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Price Guide 2026
Pricing depends on the portion size and whether you’re ordering during lunch or dinner service. The table below lays out what most guests can expect to pay in 2026.
| Portion | Typical Price | Calories (Before Sides) |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Portion (7 oz) | $16.99 | ~650 cal |
| Dinner Portion (9 oz) | $19.29 – $19.49 | ~650 cal |
| Large Dinner Portion (12 oz) | $20.49 – $21.29 | ~1,120 cal |
| Combo with Half-Rack Ribs | $27.79 | Varies |
Prices vary by location and change periodically, so it’s worth confirming with your local restaurant before you visit. Notice how the price climbs less steeply than the calorie count between the 9-ounce and 12-ounce portions, which reflects the fact that a larger cheese crust and second chicken breast add more calories than dollars.
Why the Lunch Portion Is a Smart Order
For diners who don’t need the full 12-ounce serving, the lunch-sized portion offers real savings without giving up the signature Parmesan crust.
At roughly $16.99, it costs several dollars less than the dinner portions while still delivering the same seasoning, grilling method, and cheese topping, just in a more modest amount.
This makes it a popular pick for guests visiting on a weekday or anyone pairing the entrée with a hearty side rather than needing a maximum-sized plate. Parmesan crusted chicken
Nutrition and Calories
Calorie counts for this dish scale significantly with portion size. The smaller 7 to 9-ounce version comes in at approximately 650 calories, while the larger 12-ounce portion climbs to roughly 1,120 calories, both figures reflecting the chicken and crust alone before any side dish is added.
Because the dish is both grilled and topped with a rich cheese crust, it carries a fairly high fat and sodium content relative to a plain grilled chicken breast, with sodium in particular exceeding half of a typical daily recommended limit in the larger portion.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Despite its indulgent reputation, this entrée is also a genuinely high-protein option. The 9-ounce portion delivers roughly 68 grams of protein alongside its calorie count, making it a filling, protein-forward choice for diners who don’t mind the richer fat and sodium numbers that come with the cheese crust.
Guests looking to manage sodium intake more carefully may want to request the crust on the lighter side or pair the entrée with a lower-sodium side dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
The defining feature of this dish is its topping, built from a blend of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs, layered over the grilled chicken breast and finished until golden.
Some locations also add a touch of melted provolone beneath the crust for extra richness. Guests who enjoy the flavor of the topping on its own can often request it as an add-on to other entrées, including select steaks, for an additional charge where available.
Grill Preference and Customization
Because the chicken is grilled to order, guests can typically request a lighter or heavier char depending on preference, and some locations allow requests for extra Parmesan crust on top of the standard portion. Parmesan crusted chicken
These small customizations let diners fine-tune the dish without needing to order a completely different entrée.
Why Diners Choose the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
A handful of clear reasons explain why this entrée remains one of the most popular non-steak items on the menu:
- Rich, distinctive flavor. The combination of a smoky grilled base and a creamy, garlicky cheese crust creates a flavor profile that’s hard to find on other casual-dining menus.
- A satisfying steak alternative. For guests who don’t want beef but still want an indulgent, hearty entrée, this dish fills that gap effectively.
- Flexible portion sizing. The smaller lunch-style portion and larger dinner portion let diners match the meal to their appetite and budget.
- High protein content. Even with its richer profile, the dish delivers a substantial amount of protein per serving.
- Genuine crowd appeal. It’s consistently cited as one of LongHorn’s most-ordered entrées, reflecting broad, repeat popularity across guests.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken vs Other Menu Entrées
For diners deciding between this dish and other popular options, here’s how it stacks up:
- This Dish vs Grilled Chicken Tenders: The crusted chicken breast offers a richer, more indulgent flavor, while tenders are a lighter, simpler option better suited to smaller appetites.
- This Dish vs Renegade Sirloin: The sirloin is leaner and lower in calories, while this chicken entrée trades leanness for a creamier, more decadent topping.
- This Dish vs the Ribs Combo: Pairing the chicken with a half-rack of ribs turns a moderately rich entrée into a genuinely hearty, special-occasion meal, at a noticeably higher price.
Best Sides to Pair With This Dish
Choosing the right side can either balance out the richness of the cheese crust or lean further into the indulgence, depending on what you’re after.
Popular pairings include a loaded baked potato soup for a creamy complement, a tangy Caesar salad to cut through the richness, and steamed broccoli for guests wanting a lighter, lower-calorie plate overall.
Guests focused on managing sodium or fat intake generally do best pairing the entrée with a vegetable-based side rather than another cheese-heavy option.
Is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Worth It?
For diners who want something more indulgent than plain grilled chicken but aren’t in the mood for steak, this entrée delivers real value. One menu guide described it in a single line:
“Not steak, but it’s the next best thing.”
That sentiment captures why the dish has such staying power on the menu: it offers a genuinely rich, satisfying alternative to beef without straying from the same fire-grilled preparation the chain is known for.
Tips for Ordering
A little planning helps you get the most out of this dish on your next visit.
Managing Portion and Calories
Guests who want to enjoy the dish without committing to the full 1,120-calorie dinner portion often choose the smaller lunch-sized option even during dinner hours where available, or split the larger portion between two diners alongside a shared side.
Requesting the sauce or extra cheese on the side is another simple way to control both richness and calorie count without losing the core flavor of the dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Because the dinner portion is generous, leftovers are common. The entrée can be safely refrigerated in an airtight container within two hours of cooking and eaten within three to four days, following standard food safety guidance.
For the best texture when reheating, using an oven or air fryer keeps the crust crisp, while microwaving tends to leave the topping soft and less appealing. Parmesan crusted chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the parmesan crusted chicken cost?
The smaller lunch portion typically costs around $16.99, while dinner portions range from about $19.29 for the 9-ounce size to $21.29 for the 12-ounce size, depending on location.
How many calories are in the parmesan crusted chicken?
The 9-ounce portion has approximately 650 calories, while the larger 12-ounce portion has approximately 1,120 calories, both figures before sides are added.
What is the cheese crust made of?
The topping is typically made from Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs, baked until golden brown. Parmesan crusted chicken
Can the parmesan crusted chicken be added to other dishes?
At many locations, the crust topping can be added to other entrées, including select steaks, for an additional charge, depending on availability.
Is the parmesan crusted chicken a healthy option?
It’s a high-protein entrée but also higher in fat and sodium than a plain grilled chicken breast, so pairing it with a lighter side helps balance the overall meal.
What sides go best with this dish?
Popular pairings include Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, and loaded baked potato soup, depending on whether you want to lighten or complement the richness of the crust.
Can leftovers be reheated without losing the crispy crust?
Yes, reheating in an oven or air fryer keeps the topping crisp, while microwaving tends to soften it.
Conclusion
The parmesan crusted chicken has earned its place as one of LongHorn’s signature non-steak entrées by pairing a lean, fire-grilled chicken breast with a genuinely rich, crave-worthy cheese topping. Parmesan crusted chicken
Whether you order the lighter lunch portion or the full 12-ounce dinner size, it delivers a flavor and texture combination that’s hard to match elsewhere on a casual-dining menu, making it a smart pick for anyone who wants indulgence without ordering another steak.
References
- LongHorn Steakhouse Menu Parmesan Crusted Chicken Price,
- LongHorn Menu Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Menu Prices Calories & Nutrition,
- CalorieKing Calories in LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken, 9 oz,
- LongHorn Steakhouse Official Menu & Nutrition Information,
- USDA FoodData Central Chicken Breast Nutrition Data,