If you have ever been captivated by the delicious flavors at Texas Roadhouse, then you are in for a treat with this Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe. This dish captures that perfect balance of aromatic herbs, a hint of spice, and a crispy, golden crust that seals in juicy tenderness. It’s a wonderful way to bring restaurant-quality chicken to your own table, impressing family and friends with every bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend feast, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of each ingredient. Every herb and spice brings a layer of flavor, while olive oil helps create that irresistible crust. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh breasts, about three medium-sized, for uniform cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a delicate, fresh herbaceous note that lightens the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Delivers a sweet, aromatic foundation for the herb crust.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings a slightly peppery depth, enhancing the savory profile.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a warm, comforting garlic punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a subtle kick to elevate the taste without overwhelming heat.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or nonstick spray for grilling): Helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispy, golden crust when cooking.
- 1 lemon, cut in half: For that bright, tangy finish when you squeeze it over the cooked chicken.
How to Make Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise, all the way through, so you end up with two thinner, evenly sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, ensuring juicy, tender results. Place your chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels if they feel damp; dry chicken means better crust adhesion.
Step 2: Mix the Herb Crust
In a small bowl, combine your dried dill, basil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir everything well so the flavors meld nicely. This herb and spice blend is the heart of your Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe, giving it that unmistakable flavor punch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Lightly brush or spray each chicken piece with olive oil to act as glue for the herbs and spices. Then, generously sprinkle your herb-crust mixture over each side, pressing gently so it adheres well. Don’t be shy here—the crust is what elevates the chicken to something really special.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
If you’re using a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Drop one lemon half cut-side down right in the skillet to infuse a subtle citrus aroma. When the oil is hot and shimmering, cook half of the chicken pieces for about 5 minutes each side until golden crust forms and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Lower the heat to medium if the crust browns too fast. Repeat with the remaining chicken and lemon half.
For grill cooking, preheat it to medium-high and spray with non-stick spray. Place the lemon halves cut side down on the grill to get a smoky citrus flavor. Then grill the chicken pieces for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and thoroughly cooked. A squeeze of grilled lemon juice over the finished chicken adds that perfect final zing.
How to Serve Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro make a vibrant garnish, enhancing both presentation and flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side invites each diner to add a fresh citrus twist that complements the herbs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This herb crusted chicken pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Rice pilaf or buttery garlic bread also make excellent companions, soaking up any extra lemony juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve your Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe on a rustic wooden board with herb sprigs and lemon wedges, encouraging guests to customize. For a more elegant touch, plate the chicken atop a bed of lightly sautéed greens or a colorful quinoa salad to create a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover herb crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days and maintains most of its flavor and texture when properly wrapped.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken by wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It’s best used within two months for optimal taste. To avoid sogginess, consider flash freezing the individual pieces before storing them together.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the crispy crust, or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave whenever possible as it tends to soften the crisp outer layer you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well with this recipe and bring a bit more juiciness due to their higher fat content. Just watch your cooking times, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What if I don’t have all the dried herbs listed?
No worries! The blend is flexible. Focus on having at least two or three of the herbs, like basil and oregano, combined with garlic powder and paprika. The chicken will still be delicious even with a simplified herb mix.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling indoors?
Yes! Using a grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly. Make sure to preheat it well and lightly oil the surface to mimic outdoor grilling for that lovely crust and smoky aroma.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part, your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no need to adjust anything. Just ensure your seasoning and oil choices don’t include any dairy ingredients.
Final Thoughts
It’s not every day that you find a homemade recipe that rivals your favorite restaurant dish, but this Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe hits that mark perfectly. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can bring that iconic Texas Roadhouse flavor right into your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to meal that everyone asks for again and again!
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Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Herb Crusted Chicken Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Whether cooked on the stovetop or grilled, the crispy herb crust paired with a fresh squeeze of lemon creates a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (about 3 chicken breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or nonstick spray for grilling)
- 1 lemon, cut in half
Herb and Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces of equal thickness. Place each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat dry with a paper towel if necessary to remove excess moisture.
- Mix the Herbs and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the dried dill, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir until all spices are well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Liberally season both sides of each chicken piece with the herb and spice mixture. To help the spices adhere better, you can lightly brush or spray the chicken with olive oil.
- Cook 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 infuse flavor. When the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces. Cook each side for about 5 minutes until browned and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken browns too quickly before cooking through, reduce heat to medium to prevent burning. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken pieces. Serve the chicken with a squeeze of the sauteed lemon.
- Or Cook on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the lemon halves cut side down on the grill for flavor. Next, add the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and grill each side for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Serve with a squeeze of the grilled lemon for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispy crust, you can press the spice mixture firmly onto the chicken before cooking.
- Adjust chili powder to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
