When most people think about Texas Roadhouse, they picture big steaks and ribs. But one dish I go back to often is their Herb Crusted Chicken. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and lighter than most of the other entrées on the menu.
The best part? You don’t need restaurant equipment to make it. With a few pantry herbs, some fresh chicken breasts, and a good pan or grill, you can recreate the same juicy, flavorful chicken at home.
In this guide, I’ll share the exact steps to make the Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken recipe from scratch. It’s an easy copycat meal you can pair with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or even a side salad for a full restaurant-style dinner.
What is Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken?
The Herb Crusted Chicken at Texas Roadhouse is a perfectly cooked chicken breast coated with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. It’s juicy on the inside, with a light, aromatic crust on the outside.
Unlike fried chicken or heavy sauces, this dish keeps the flavors fresh and balanced. The combination of thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley gives it that restaurant-quality taste you can’t easily replicate at home—until now.
I love making it because it’s versatile. You can enjoy it as a healthy weeknight dinner or elevate it with sides like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. For those who love Texas Roadhouse meals, this chicken is a lighter alternative to dishes like Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe or the hearty Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Recipe.
Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Ingredients You’ll Need
When I make this at home, I like to have everything prepped so the cooking goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – the main ingredient, fresh or thawed.
-
2 tsp Olive Oil – for coating the chicken and helping the herbs stick.
-
1 tsp Garlic Powder – adds savory depth.
-
1 tsp Onion Powder – for a subtle sweetness.
-
1 tsp Paprika – gives color and mild smokiness.
-
1 tsp Dried Thyme
-
1 tsp Dried Oregano
-
1 tsp Dried Basil
-
1 tsp Dried Parsley
-
Salt and Pepper – to taste.
-
Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a light Italian dressing for marinating.
These ingredients combine to create the signature herb crusted chicken flavor you’d find at Texas Roadhouse. Prepping the herbs and spices beforehand makes it easy to whip up a quick and flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Herb Crusted Chicken at Home
I like to keep this simple so it’s easy to make any night of the week. Here’s my method:
-
Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and lightly coat them with olive oil. This helps the herbs stick.
-
Mix the herb crust: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
-
Coat the chicken: Rub the herb mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.
-
Cook the chicken:
-
Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil, and cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
-
Grill: Preheat the grill and cook each side 5–6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
-
Optional garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Pro tip: Don’t overcook. The chicken should be juicy inside with a flavorful crust outside.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like recreating other Texas Roadhouse favorites at home, such as Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips Recipe for a hearty dinner option.
Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips and Variations
I’ve tried a few tweaks to this recipe to make it even more versatile. Here are some ideas:
-
Oven-baked version: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated chicken on a lined tray for 20–25 minutes. It’s an easy, hands-off method.
-
Add Parmesan: Mix a tablespoon of grated Parmesan into the herb crust for extra richness and flavor.
-
Marinate for extra juiciness: Use a light Italian dressing or a splash of lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
-
Serving suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to round out your meal.
-
Make it a weeknight dinner: Prep the herb mixture in advance and store in an airtight container for quick cooking.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a lighter, flavorful Texas Roadhouse-style meal without deep frying or heavy sauces.
FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken
1. What herbs are used in Texas Roadhouse herb crusted chicken?
Thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley give the chicken its signature flavor.
2. Can I bake instead of pan-searing or grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
3. Is herb crusted chicken healthy?
Yes. It’s lower in fat than fried chicken and packed with flavor from herbs instead of heavy sauces.
4. How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook and consider a short marinade with lemon juice or Italian dressing.
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken is one of my go-to meals when I want something flavorful yet light. The blend of herbs creates a golden crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Making it at home is simple, and you can adjust it with Parmesan, marinades, or oven-baking for convenience. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or other Texas Roadhouse-style meals.