If you have ever craved that perfect balance of bold herbs and tender, juicy chicken served at your favorite steakhouse, you are in for a real treat. This Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe captures that mouthwatering flavor combo with a crispy, fragrant herb crust and a juicy interior that will make your kitchen smell like a southern gem. It’s quick, straightforward, and totally doable on your stovetop or grill, making it a go-to weeknight winner or weekend showstopper. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become one of your cherished staples!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of classic herbs and spices. Each ingredient plays a vital role—bringing freshness, depth, and that signature Texas Roadhouse flair to your chicken. Here’s what you need to gather to bring this gorgeous dish to life:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast: Choosing evenly sized breasts ensures each piece cooks perfectly and remains moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a subtle, bright herbal note that lights up the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Brings its sweet and slightly peppery aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Offers a robust, earthy depth that’s classic in herb blends.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a mellow, savory richness without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky warmth and adds a stunning color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a gentle kick that rounds out the spice profile perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Ensures all the flavors pop while seasoning the chicken thoroughly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or nonstick spray for grilling): Helps the herb crust develop that irresistible crispiness.
- 1 lemon, cut in half: Used during cooking to add a subtle, zesty brightness and can be squeezed over at serving.
How to Make Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with equal, thinner pieces that cook evenly. This way, your chicken is tender all the way through and perfect for that crispy crust. Lay these pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat them dry—dry chicken is key to a good sear and crust development.
Step 2: Make the Herb Crust
Mix all of your dried herbs and spices together in a small bowl. This fragrant blend is the heart of your Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe. Next, generously coat each side of the chicken pieces with the spice blend. If the herbs are a little reluctant to stick, brush or spray the chicken lightly with olive oil to act as a natural glue that won’t overpower the flavors.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Whether you prefer the ease of a skillet or the subtle smokiness of a grill, both work beautifully here. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or prep your grill to medium-high heat. Place your lemon halves cut side down on the pan or grill—they infuse a lovely citrus aroma while you cook! Cook the chicken in batches if using a skillet, about 5 minutes per side, until browned with a crisp herb crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. On the grill, a similar timing applies, but keep the heat moderate to prevent burning. Once cooked, squeeze the lemon over the chicken for a final burst of freshness.
How to Serve Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives add a vibrant color pop and hint of freshness that complements the earthy herb crust wonderfully. A lemon wedge on the side encourages your guests to add a citrus zing as they like.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy mashed sweet potatoes are a dream alongside this chicken, perfect for soaking up any lemony drippings. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or a colorful medley of bell peppers bring crunch and balance. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf or even atop garlic butter noodles for that southern comfort vibe. You can also carve the chicken and arrange it over warm flatbreads with a dollop of herbed yogurt sauce for a fun twist. Don’t be afraid to play with plating—the herb crust looks so inviting it deserves the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken pieces separated if possible to preserve the crust crispness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cooked chicken piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy herb crust, reheat your chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes rather than microwaving. This method will help restore the crunch without drying out the juicy interior.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully with this herb crust and tend to be a bit juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
Is it important to use dried herbs?
Dried herbs are recommended here because they blend better into the crust and provide a more intense flavor without extra moisture. You can experiment with fresh herbs but reduce the quantity and pat the chicken dry well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. All the ingredients in this Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe and delicious choice for gluten-sensitive diners.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you prefer, a light nonstick cooking spray works well, especially when grilling, to keep the chicken from sticking without adding too much oil.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken is safely cooked and perfectly juicy. The crust should be crisp and golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Making this Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe at home is an absolute joy because it combines simple ingredients with big flavors in such an effortless way. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving that classic steakhouse taste, this recipe hits all the right notes. Dive in, experiment with your favorite sides, and don’t be surprised if it quickly earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
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Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of dried herbs and spices. Whether cooked on the stovetop or grilled, the chicken develops a crispy, aromatic crust complemented perfectly by a squeeze of grilled or sautéed lemon juice. A quick 25-minute recipe ideal for weeknight dinners that brings a restaurant-quality touch to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (about 3 chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (or nonstick spray for grilling)
- 1 lemon, cut in half
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise completely to create two thinner pieces of equal thickness. Place these pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat dry with a paper towel if they are wet or moist.
- Mix the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the dried dill, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform herb and spice blend.
- Coat the Chicken: Liberally coat each side of the chicken pieces with the spice blend. If needed, lightly brush or spray olive oil on the chicken to help the spices adhere evenly to the surface.
- Cooking on the Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place one lemon half cut-side down in the skillet to start infusing flavor. When the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces. Cook each side for approximately 5 minutes, or until the chicken develops a browned, crispy crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking without burning the crust. Repeat this cooking process with the second batch of chicken. Serve the cooked chicken with a squeeze of the sautéed lemon.
- Cooking on the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and spray the grates with non-stick cooking spray. Place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill. Put the chicken pieces on the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Grill each side for 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve with a fresh squeeze of the grilled lemon halves.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for best results and food safety.
- Butterflying creates thinner, more evenly cooking pieces that help the chicken cook quicker and evenly.
- If using the stovetop method, cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a crispy crust.
- Lemon halves add a bright citrus flavor when cooked alongside the chicken.
- Can substitute olive oil with non-stick spray for a lighter option on the grill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
