BJ’s Brewhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at BJ’s Brewhouse, you know their parmesan crusted chicken is absolutely legendary. This copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken brings that restaurant magic straight to your home kitchen.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty buttermilk ranch blend, pan-seared to golden perfection, then crowned with melted provolone cheese and a buttery parmesan panko crust.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a special dinner, this BJ’s chicken parmesan recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the wait or the price tag. Let’s recreate this beloved brewhouse classic together!

What Does It Taste Like?

The BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken is a symphony of flavors and textures. The chicken itself is incredibly tender and savory from the buttermilk ranch marinade, with subtle hints of lemon brightness and Worcestershire umami.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the golden panko breadcrumbs mixed with nutty parmesan cheese, while the melted provolone adds creamy richness. The garlic salt seasoning throughout ties everything together with aromatic depth.

It’s indulgent yet balanced crispy on top, juicy within, and absolutely irresistible from the first forkful to the last.

BJ’s Brewhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 oz each)
• ½ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for cooking)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• Cracked black pepper to taste

The Ranch Spread:

• ¼ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For Assembly:

• 4 slices provolone cheese
• Fresh curly parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Casserole dish or baking sheet
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1-2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

BJ’s Brewhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup buttermilk ranch dressing, juice of ½ a lemon, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp garlic salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Ranch Spread

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese with ¼ cup buttermilk ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Crust Topping

In another small bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic salt, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Set aside.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Cook each chicken breast for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Transfer the cooked chicken to a casserole dish. Spread a generous layer of the parmesan ranch mixture on top of each breast, then place a slice of provolone cheese over it. Finally, sprinkle the buttery parmesan breadcrumb topping evenly over each piece. Broil in the oven for 3–4 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle freshly chopped curly parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade parmesan crusted chicken BJ’s style!

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Italian Herb Variation

Transform your parmesan crusted chicken BJs recipe into an Italian feast by adding dried basil, oregano, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. This herb-infused version pairs beautifully with marinara sauce drizzled on the side and a plate of garlic butter linguine.

2. Spicy Kick Enhancement

For those who love heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the panko topping and add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Serve alongside creamy coleslaw to balance the spice, or pair with jalapeño cornbread for a Southwestern twist.

3. Lemon Chardonnay Butter Sauce

Elevate your BJ’s lemon chardonnay butter sauce recipe experience by creating an authentic wine-based sauce. Simmer white wine with butter, lemon juice, and garlic, then drizzle over the finished chicken. This pairs exceptionally well with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

4. Classic Steakhouse Sides

Serve your copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken with loaded baked potatoes, sautéed green beans with almonds, and BJ’s Brewhouse Tomato Mozzarella Salad for a complete steakhouse-style dinner that rivals any restaurant experience.

5. Fresh Summer Pairing

During warmer months, pair this rich chicken dish with lighter sides like quinoa tabbouleh, grilled zucchini ribbons, or a refreshing arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze to create perfect balance on the plate.

6. Sandwich Transformation

Slice the cooked parmesan crusted chicken and serve it on toasted ciabatta bread with lettuce, tomato, and extra ranch spread for an incredible gourmet chicken sandwich. Add crispy bacon for even more indulgence.

7. Family-Style Platter

Create a shareable feast by slicing the BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken into strips and arranging on a large platter with various dipping sauces honey mustard, barbecue, and extra parmesan ranch spread alongside roasted vegetables and dinner rolls for interactive family dining.

Essential Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t Skip the Marinade Time

The buttermilk ranch marinade is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken. Marinating for the full 1-2 hours allows the acids and enzymes to break down proteins, ensuring juicy results. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes is better than none, but longer is always better for this BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe.

2. Pound for Even Thickness

Before marinating, gently pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ¾ inch). This ensures uniform cooking so you don’t end up with overcooked edges and undercooked centers. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin between plastic wrap.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

The difference between perfectly juicy and disappointingly dry chicken is just a few degrees. Always check that your chicken reaches exactly 165°F internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast for an accurate reading.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When searing your marinated chicken, give each piece plenty of space in the pan. Overcrowding creates steam instead of that beautiful golden crust we’re after. Cook in batches if necessary patience here pays off with better browning and texture.

5. Keep Your Breadcrumb Mixture Loose

When preparing the parmesan panko topping, the mixture should be moistened but still crumbly, not clumped together. This creates those perfect crispy clusters when broiled. If it seems too wet, add a bit more panko; too dry, add another half tablespoon of melted butter.

6. Watch the Broiler Closely

Broilers are powerful and can go from golden perfection to burnt in seconds. Stay near the oven during those final 3-4 minutes, checking every minute. The cheese should be melted and bubbly with the breadcrumbs turning a rich golden brown that’s your signal to pull it out.

7. Let It Rest Before Serving

After removing your parmesean crusted chicken BJs masterpiece from the oven, let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. Use this time to garnish with fresh parsley and prepare your sides.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover BJ’s chicken parmesan recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the BJ’s Brewhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe that people often ask.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side and ensure internal temperature still reaches 165°F.

What can I substitute for buttermilk ranch dressing?

If you don’t have buttermilk ranch, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular BJ’s Restaurant Honey Mustard Dressing with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk or sour cream. Alternatively, use Italian dressing for a different but equally delicious flavor profile in your marinade.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers in the parmesan crust topping. The rest of the ingredients in this BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken are naturally gluten-free, but always check your ranch dressing and Worcestershire sauce labels.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prepare the parmesan ranch spread and breadcrumb mixture the night before. However, for best results, cook and broil the chicken just before serving to maintain that signature crispy crust.

What’s the difference between shredded and grated parmesan?

Shredded parmesan has larger pieces that create texture in the breadcrumb topping, while grated parmesan (finer) blends smoothly into the ranch spread. Using both types as specified gives you the best of both worlds in this parmesan crusted chicken BJs recipe.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it first?

While pan-searing creates the best flavor and texture, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes before adding toppings. However, you’ll miss out on the beautiful caramelization and depth of flavor that searing provides.

My breadcrumb topping isn’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens if the broiler isn’t hot enough or the chicken is too far from the heat source. Preheat your broiler for at least 5 minutes and position the rack in the upper third of the oven. Also ensure your breadcrumb mixture has enough melted butter to crisp properly.

Can I freeze this parmesan crusted chicken?

You can freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months, but the finished dish doesn’t freeze well due to the breadcrumb topping becoming soggy. If you must freeze cooked chicken, do so without the topping and add fresh topping when reheating.

What cheese can I use instead of provolone?

Mozzarella is the closest substitute and melts beautifully. Swiss cheese or fontina also work well. For a sharper flavor, try white cheddar. Each cheese will slightly alter the taste profile but still deliver delicious results.

How do I know when my chicken is done without a thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is always most reliable, you can check by cutting into the thickest part of the breast the meat should be opaque white throughout with clear juices running out. If you see any pink or the juices are cloudy, continue cooking.

Can I make a larger batch for a party?

Definitely! This BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe scales up easily. Just work in batches when searing to avoid overcrowding your pan, and use multiple baking dishes or a large sheet pan when broiling. Expect to broil in batches or extend broiling time slightly for multiple pans.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy breadcrumbs?

Mix an extra tablespoon of melted butter into your panko mixture and spread it slightly thicker on each piece. You can also toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing with parmesan and butter for even more crunch.

Is this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?

As written, this parmesean crusted chicken BJs recipe isn’t keto due to the breadcrumbs. However, you can make it low-carb by substituting crushed pork rinds or almond flour for panko, reducing the total carbs significantly while maintaining great texture.

Why does my chicken come out dry?

Dry chicken usually results from overcooking or not marinating long enough. Always use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F. The marinade’s buttermilk and oil content helps keep it moist, so don’t skip this crucial step.

This copycat BJ’s parmesan crusted chicken recipe proves you don’t need a brewhouse kitchen to create restaurant-worthy meals at home. With simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and those signature layers of flavor from the tangy marinade to the golden cheesy crust you’ll have a dish that impresses every time.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this BJ’s brewhouse parmesan crusted chicken delivers comfort, satisfaction, and that unbeatable homemade taste. Fire up your stove and get ready for compliments this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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