Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe

When you think of Texas Roadhouse, you probably think of their legendary rolls with cinnamon butter, hearty steaks, and delicious sides. However, their Herb Crusted Chicken also stands out as a flavorful, comforting dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a seasoned herb crust that adds depth and texture.

The Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken features a perfect balance of savory herbs and spices, combined with a crispy, golden crust that locks in the juices of the chicken. Paired with a creamy, buttery sauce and served alongside fresh vegetables or mashed potatoes, this dish offers a restaurant-quality experience in your own home.

Preparation:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts

The first step to making a tender and juicy herb-crusted chicken is properly preparing the chicken breasts.

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, preventing parts from being overcooked while other parts are still raw. To do this, place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a large ziplock bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it is about 1/2 inch thick. This also tenderizes the meat, making it more juicy and flavorful.

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2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This is a simple yet essential seasoning that will enhance the flavor of the chicken before it is crusted and cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb Crust

The herb crust is what makes this dish stand out. It adds a flavorful, crispy texture to the chicken.

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will help the egg wash adhere to the chicken.

2. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. You’ll dip the chicken into the egg wash before coating it with the breadcrumb mixture, so make sure to whisk the eggs until they’re fully combined.

3. In a third shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped parsley, and fresh thyme. Mix everything thoroughly. The Panko breadcrumbs give the crust an extra crunch, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor. The herbs (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme) will provide a fragrant and flavorful coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now that the chicken and the crust mixture are prepared, it’s time to coat the chicken to ensure it has a delicious, crispy herb crust.

1. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture first, ensuring that the chicken is coated evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.

2. Dip the chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, making sure they’re fully covered in the egg wash. Let any excess egg drip off.

3. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb and herb mixture, making sure that each piece is coated evenly. Gently press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure a thick, even layer of crust. Repeat this process for all four chicken breasts.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Now that the chicken is coated in the delicious herb crust, it’s time to cook it to perfection.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the chicken breasts to the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

2. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and crispy. You want the chicken to develop a beautiful, crispy exterior while staying tender and juicy on the inside. If the crust is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.

3. Check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Finish with butter: Add a small pat of unsalted butter to the skillet (over medium-low heat) and let it melt. Drizzle the butter over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce (Optional)

For an added touch of flavor, you can make a creamy herb sauce to drizzle over the chicken. This step is optional, but it adds a velvety richness that pairs wonderfully with the herb-crusted chicken.

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

3. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Now that the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to serve your delicious Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken.

1. Plate the chicken by placing each herb-crusted chicken breast on a serving plate.

2. Drizzle the creamy herb sauce over the chicken, if desired, to enhance the flavor and provide a rich, smooth finish.

3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor.

4. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides. Some great options include garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a side salad.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the crunchy, flavorful herb crust of the chicken. Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor, or use butter and cream for a rich, comforting side.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

Roast a mix of carrots, brussels sprouts, zucchini, and sweet potatoes for a healthy and colorful side dish. Roasting the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great accompaniment to the herb-crusted chicken.

3. Steamed Asparagus:

Asparagus is a light and fresh vegetable that complements the richness of the chicken. You can steam or roast it, and top it with a bit of lemon zest and butter for added flavor.

4. Caesar Salad:

A Caesar salad adds a crispy, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. The creamy dressing, combined with crunchy croutons and fresh greens, is a great balance to the savory crusted chicken.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

For a sweet and savory combo, roasted sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish. You can roast them with a touch of cinnamon and honey for a little sweetness or keep them savory with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken:

1. Chicken Thickness:

Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Uneven breasts will result in parts being overcooked or undercooked.

2. Herb Variation:

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the crust. You can add rosemary, basil, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile to your liking.

3. Extra Crunch:

For an even crunchier crust, add more Panko breadcrumbs to the coating mixture or even sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top of the chicken before cooking.

4. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan:

Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the chicken from searing properly and result in a soggy crust.

5. Rest the Chicken:

After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. The combination of a crispy, golden herb crust and tender chicken, topped with a creamy herb sauce, delivers a restaurant-quality meal with every bite. Paired with comforting sides like garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, this dish provides the ultimate comfort food experience.