Growing up, my family’s dining table was a melting pot of culinary adventures, with each dish telling its own story of culture, tradition, and a dash of improvisation. But it was on those Friday nights, when my folks craved something special to kick off the weekend, that the Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken became our go-to savory treat. The allure of those fragrant herbs and the succulent meat encased in a golden-brown crust brings back the most cherished memories of laughter, shared stories, and the simple joy of a well-eaten meal.
How to make Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken
Texas Roadhouse’s Herb Crusted Chicken is a popular dish served at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain. It typically consists of a grilled or pan-seared chicken breast coated with a flavorful herb mixture before cooking. The exact blend of herbs used may vary, but common ingredients often include garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and sometimes a hint of lemon or other seasonings.
Ingredients:
For the Herb Crust:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Garnish (optional):
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the oven is ready at the right temperature once your chicken is prepped and coated.
- Combine the Herb Crust:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with all the freshly chopped herbs, along with the garlic and onion powders.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are a bit thick, you might want to pound them to uniform thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking. Lightly pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the crust adhere better.
- Coating the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the herb and flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Searing: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shatters, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Baking: After searing, transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The safest way to ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked is to use a meat thermometer.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender.
- Garnishing and Serving: Plate each breast with a sprig of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for that extra pop of flavor.
Tips:
- Dry Chicken is Key: To ensure the perfect crust, make sure your chicken is as dry as possible before coating it.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Leave enough space between each breast while searing the chicken. Crowding can lower the pan’s temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
- Variations in Ovens: All ovens are different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your specific oven and the size of the chicken breasts.
- Herb Alternatives: Dried herbs can work in a pinch if you do not have fresh herbs. Use one-third the amount specified for fresh, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Cleanup: To ease cleaning, you might want to use a non-stick skillet or line your oven-safe skillet with foil or parchment paper before placing it in the oven.
What to serve with
While the Texas Roadhouse Herb-Crusted Chicken is wonderful on its own, it can be complemented to perfection with a variety of sides and pairings. Our list of sides enhances the main event, bringing out the best flavors and textures.
Vegetable Sides
1. Grilled Asparagus:
Quick and easy to make, grilled asparagus pairs beautifully with the herb crusted chicken. The charred, smoky flavor of the asparagus offsets the richness of the chicken while keeping the dish light and healthy.
2. Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
Think tender, caramelized sprouts with a buttery crunch that will satisfy your taste buds. This robust side dish adds an exciting texture contrast to the succulent chicken.
3. Creamed Spinach:
This rich and creamy side dish works wonderfully with the herbed chicken, providing a smooth, creamy contrast to the crispy crust of the chicken.
Starch Sides
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
The creamy, garlic-tinged potatoes not only round off the meal but also absorb the flavors of the chicken incredibly well, creating a flavor harmony that’s hard to resist.
5. Rice Pilaf:
A fluffy rice pilaf can serve as a blank canvas, soaking up the flavors and allowing the herb crusted chicken to be the star of the meal.
Sturdy Salads
6. Coleslaw:
A tangy, crunchy coleslaw brings a light, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, helping to balance the meal.
7. Caprese Salad:
The simple elegance of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella, drizzled with a balsamic glaze, lends a Mediterranean vibe to the meal that pairs surprisingly well with the herbed chicken.
Something Extra
8. Dinner Rolls or Cornbread:
A basket of warm, fluffy dinner rolls or slices of cornbread are perfect for sopping up flavorful chicken juices, ensuring not a single droplet of deliciousness is wasted.
Ingredients substitutes
Creating a Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken can be quite a culinary adventure, especially if you miss an ingredient or two while preparing. Fortunately, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the ability to swap in substitutes without compromising on its delightful taste.
Herb Substitutes:
- Rosemary: If you’re out of fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used at a ratio of 1:3, meaning one part dried for every three parts fresh. In a pinch, similar woody herbs like thyme or sage can be substituted to retain the earthy flavor profile.
- Thyme: Dried thyme is the easiest substitute, again using a third of the amount called for if fresh. Oregano or marjoram can also be used, as they share a similar mild, earthy flavor.
- Oregano: Dried oregano is an easy swap, with the same 1:3 ratio of dried to fresh. Basil or thyme can also fill in for oregano, offering a different but complementary flavor.
All-Purpose Flour Substitutes:
- For Gluten-Free Needs: Almond flour or coconut flour can be good choices, although they will somewhat alter the flavor and texture. A 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is likely your best bet for maintaining a similar taste and texture.
Olive Oil Substitutes:
- For Searing: Any high smoke point oil will do. Avocado oil and canola oil are great substitutes. The key is to choose an oil that won’t impart a strong flavor of its own or smoke at the temperature required for searing.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder Substitutes:
- Fresh Produce Option: If you prefer using fresh ingredients or simply ran out of the powdered versions, garlic cloves and fresh onion can be used. As a general guideline, one clove of garlic or one tablespoon of chopped fresh onion can replace each teaspoon of its powdered counterpart. Just remember to finely mince them to distribute the flavors evenly.
Final Thoughts
Bring this recipe to life in your home, and you won’t just feed your family; you will craft an experience. The Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of comfort, a hint of nostalgia, and a celebration of flavors that turn a simple dinner into a special occasion.
More Texas Roadhouse Recipes:
- Texas Roadhouse Porch Rocker Drink
- Texas Roadhouse Hurricane Margarita Recipe
- Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
