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Longhorn Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken Longhorn Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken Longhorn is a restaurant-inspired chicken dish based on the popular flavors associated with LongHorn Steakhouse-style meals. It features seasoned chicken breast that is cooked until golden and tender, then complemented by a rich sauce featuring lemon and garlic. The lemon provides a fresh, slightly tangy contrast to the savory garlic and creamy elements, creating a balanced flavor profile. This homemade version is designed as a copycat-inspired recipe, rather than an official LongHorn Steakhouse recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 –6 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin, if flattening the chicken
  • Cutting board & chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Small bowl for combining seasonings
  • Garlic press or fine knife for mincing garlic
  • Fine grater or zester for the lemon and Parmesan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Instant-read meat thermometer

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are unusually thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents the thinner portions from becoming dry.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
    Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
    A properly heated skillet helps the chicken develop a flavorful golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
  1. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet without overcrowding the pan.
    Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The outside should become golden brown and the inside should reach 165°F (74°C).
    Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and loosely cover it with foil.
Step 5: Start the Lemon Garlic Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet.
    Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can quickly become bitter.
Step 6: Add the Broth
  1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
    Allow the broth to simmer for about 2–3 minutes so it can reduce slightly.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
  1. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.
    Add the lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
    Avoid boiling the cream aggressively, as gentle heat helps create a smoother sauce.
Step 8: Add Lemon and Parmesan
  1. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese.
    Continue stirring until the Parmesan melts into the sauce and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
    Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 9: Return the Chicken to the Pan
  1. Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet.
    Spoon the creamy lemon-garlic sauce over the chicken and allow everything to simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. This gives the chicken an opportunity to absorb some of the sauce's flavor.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley.
    Serve the chicken immediately with plenty of the creamy lemon-garlic sauce spooned over the top.
    For the best restaurant-style presentation, add a little fresh lemon zest or a thin lemon wedge alongside each serving.

Notes

For a restaurant-style presentation, place the chicken breast in the center of a plate and spoon the creamy lemon-garlic sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a small lemon wedge on the side. 
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta to complete the meal. 
For the best flavor and texture, serve the chicken immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.