Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Last week, I hosted a dinner party and decided to order Red Lobster’s new menu item, Parmesan Crusted Chicken. At first, I was a bit nervous since it was a new addition, and I had no idea how it would taste. However, I had faith in Red Lobster because I had previously tried their Chicken Critters, which were absolutely delicious. As it turned out, my guess was right—everyone loved the dish!

Inspired by its incredible taste, I decided to recreate it at home. To my delight, my homemade Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken turned out just as amazing as the restaurant version!

If you’ve been struggling to make this dish at home, don’t worry. Just follow my easy steps, and you’ll have the same delicious Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe recipe right in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken

I absolutely adore this recipe! Here’s why:

1. Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of melted provolone, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs creates an irresistible topping. Every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Super Easy to Make: It may sound fancy, but this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, and the process is straightforward.
3. Customizable: You can tweak the flavors and toppings to suit your taste. Add more cheese or experiment with different seasonings.
4. Comforting: The cheesy, crispy crust and juicy chicken make for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients You Will Need

Before we begin, let’s go over the ingredients. Most of these are likely already in your kitchen, and the rest are totally worth grabbing.
For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: This is the main ingredient. It’s tender and perfect for this recipe because it absorbs all the marinades and holds the topping really well.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: The olive oil helps marinate the chicken and adds flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the chicken a delicious savory kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor that really elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: This is the secret ingredient. It adds a creamy, herby flavor that makes the chicken even better.
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing: Extra creaminess for marinating the chicken.

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1.5 cups cubed provolone cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds that sharp, nutty bite that complements the provolone perfectly.
• 1/2 cup to 1 cup ranch dressing: This binds the cheese together and makes it extra creamy.

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1/4 stick melted butter: Butter helps the breadcrumbs get that golden, crispy texture.
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, which makes them perfect for this dish.
• Fresh diced parsley (optional for garnish): A little touch of green gives the dish a fresh look and flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Need to make some changes? Here are some great alternatives:

1. Chicken Substitutes: Chicken thighs work well and are even juicier, though they take longer to cook. Turkey cutlets are also a good option.
2. Cheese Options: No provolone? Try mozzarella for a similar melt, or fontina for a buttery flavor. Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
3. Breadcrumb Alternatives: Regular breadcrumbs can replace Panko, though they won’t be as crispy.
4. Flavor Twists: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or mix in sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist. Bacon bits also pair wonderfully with the ranch flavors.
5. Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of mozzarella under the provolone-Parmesan mixture for extra gooeyness.

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Skillet – For searing the chicken to a golden-brown finish.
2. Oven (or Broiler) – Melts the cheese and crisps up the topping.
3. Knife & Cutting Board – Essential for prepping the chicken.
4. Bowls – For mixing the marinade, cheese topping, and breadcrumbs.
5. Meat Mallet (optional) – Helps achieve even thickness for better cooking.
6. Spoon or Brush – For spreading marinades and cheese mixtures.

How to Make Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1 | Prep the Chicken

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts, cutting them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. Use a mallet or a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet to pound the chicken until it’s even and flat. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

Step 2 | Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, and ranch dressing. Rub this marinade all over the chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3 | Prepare the Cheese Topping

In another bowl, combine the cubed provolone cheese, shaved Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 4 | Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

In a separate bowl, melt the butter and then add the Panko breadcrumbs. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated with the butter. This buttery breadcrumb mixture will give the chicken a crispy and golden topping.

For extra flavor, you can season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a bit of all-purpose seasoning. This will enhance the flavor and make it even more delicious when baked.

Step 5 | Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Step 6 | Top the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, spread the cheese mixture generously on top of each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the buttery Panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.

Step 7 | Broil

Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8 | Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the broiler and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve your Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dish

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
• Watch the Broiler: Keep an eye on the chicken when it’s under the broiler. It can go from golden to burnt quickly.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly shaved Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-grated.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can make it dry.
• Customize the Toppings: Add extra cheese or herbs to make the topping exactly how you like it.

What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Finding the perfect sides to accompany this red lobster parmesan crusted chicken can elevate your meal from good to outstanding. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture complements the crispy chicken topping beautifully.
2. Roasted Asparagus – The slight bitterness balances the rich cheese flavors.
3. Lemon Butter Pasta – A light pasta with a simple lemon butter sauce makes for a restaurant-quality meal.
4. Caesar Salad – The tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken.
5. Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy option that pairs well with the cheesy crust.
6. Garlic Bread – For those who want to embrace the indulgence fully!
7. Wild Rice Pilaf – The nutty flavor and texture add an elegant touch.
8. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Their sweetness and acidity balance the dish.

Leftover Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage:

To store your leftover Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Then, place the chicken in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want to keep the topping crispy, you can place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe FAQs

1. Can I air-fry this recipe?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, then add toppings and air-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

2. What’s the best type of pan to use for this recipe?

An oven-safe skillet, like cast iron, is ideal because it sears well and can go directly under the broiler. If you don’t have one, transfer the chicken to a shallow baking dish or sheet pan.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can either refrigerate cooked chicken and add the toppings before broiling or prepare everything in advance and broil it later. Both options save time on the day.

4. How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?

This dish is mild, but you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even jalapeños for more heat. Serve hot sauce on the side for adjustable spice levels.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?

Yes, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Fresh herbs, especially in the breadcrumb topping, add great flavor, but add them after mixing with butter to release their oils without cooking them too much.

6. Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?

Yes, Caesar or blue cheese dressing can be great alternatives.

Conclusion

I’m excited for you to try this Red Lobster Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home! It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy topping that’s sure to impress. This recipe is versatile, easy for beginners, and great for both special occasions and family dinners.

I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—feel free to share your results and what you paired it with. Follow me on Pinterest for more restaurant-inspired recipes!