The Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and simple elegance that will have you craving it again and again. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, each piece lovingly coated in a fragrant mix of dried dill, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika, then pan-seared or grilled to a perfect golden crust. This dish is not only packed with herbaceous goodness but also beautifully balanced with a bright squeeze of sautéed or grilled lemon, making every bite a delightful harmony of freshness and savory comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a little slice of Texas Roadhouse right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple but each one plays an important role in creating the signature herb crust that’s bursting with flavor and aroma. From the aromatic herbs to the zesty lemons, every component works together to deliver tenderness, color, and punch.
- 2 tablespoons dried dill: Adds a subtle, slightly tangy herbal note that brightens the chicken’s flavor beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons dried basil: Infuses a sweet, peppery essence that rounds out the herb profile perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano: Offers earthy depth and complexity to the crust without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Brings a robust and savory punch that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular): Adds warmth and a gentle smoky hint, plus a lovely color to the crust.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the herbs, bringing out all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a bold, peppery spice that complements the herbs and chicken.
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8-10 ounces each): The star of the dish, tender and juicy for perfect herb crust adherence.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Helps achieve a crisp crust when cooking on the stovetop and adds richness.
- 1 large lemon (halved): Sautéed or grilled to provide a bright and tangy finish that balances the savory chicken.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Mixture
Start by whisking together the dried dill, basil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This herb blend is the heart of the Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe, and properly combining these spices ensures every chicken piece gets that memorable flavor punch.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Cutlets
Trim the chicken breasts, then slice each breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. If necessary, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin so they are evenly thin. Pat each cutlet dry with paper towels to help the herb crust stick perfectly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Generously rub each chicken cutlet on both sides with the prepared herb mixture. This step is crucial for building that irresistible herb crust that defines the Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken on the Stovetop or Grill
For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then sauté lemon halves cut-side down briefly. Remove lemons and cook chicken cutlets until golden and cooked through, flipping once when they reach a beautiful crust. Alternatively, grill the chicken cutlets over indirect medium heat with lemon halves on the grates, flipping halfway through. Always cook until the internal temperature hits 160° Fahrenheit for juicy and safe results.
Step 5: Rest and Finish
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to seal in all those delicious juices. Finally, squeeze the sautéed or grilled lemons over your cutlets for that gorgeous citrus brightness that elevates this dish from great to spectacular.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or additional cracked black pepper adds a fresh finish and visual appeal. Lemon wedges on the side offer guests the option to add a bit more zing if they like.
Side Dishes
This herb crusted chicken pairs wonderfully with rustic mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. Lighter sides like steamed asparagus or roasted veggies keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve atop a bed of herbed rice or quinoa tossed with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for a colorful, flavorful plate. You can also use these cutlets to make hearty sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy mustard aioli for a casual yet delicious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooked chicken cutlets in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and make for quick meals when reheated gently.
Freezing
The herb crusted chicken freezes beautifully. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken lasts for up to 3 months without losing its wonderful flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil, or bake in the oven at 325° Fahrenheit until heated through. Avoid microwaving aggressively as this can dry out the chicken and dull the herb crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for the herb crust?
While dried herbs are recommended for their concentrated flavor and better crust adhesion, you can substitute fresh herbs by using three times the amount. Just chop them finely and press onto the chicken. Keep in mind the texture of the crust may be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses only herbs and spices to coat the chicken, without any breading or flour.
What if I don’t have a grill or stovetop skillet?
You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400° Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Just be sure to coat the chicken well with the herb mixture and consider broiling for a minute or two at the end to develop a nice crust.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully! Just double the ingredient quantities and cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust on each piece.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy. Skipping this step often results in drier chicken, which is not what we want for this delicious recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that combines simplicity with bold, unforgettable flavor, the Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with herbs, and just perfectly juicy every time. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a favorite staple at your table for gatherings or a comforting nightly dinner.
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Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful herb crust made from dried dill, basil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then cooked to juicy perfection either on the stovetop or grill with a bright lemon finish.
Ingredients
Herb Crust
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
Chicken
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 8–10 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for stovetop method)
- 1 large lemon, halved
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Crust: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons dried dill, 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper until well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Trim as needed, then slice each breast in half horizontally to create 8 thin cutlets. Pound cutlets to uniform thinness if necessary. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Coat Chicken: Evenly coat both sides of each chicken cutlet with the herb mixture, rubbing the spices into the meat to help the crust stick. Set aside.
- Cook on Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil shimmers, add lemon halves cut-side down and sauté for 30 seconds. Remove lemons and set aside. Place 4 chicken cutlets in skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove chicken and transfer to a plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and repeat with remaining cutlets. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook on Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F). Spray grates with neutral cooking spray. Place lemon halves cut-side down on grill. Place seasoned chicken over indirect medium heat (350-375°F). Grill covered for 4 minutes, flip, then grill another 3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove chicken and lemons from grill. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer rested chicken cutlets to serving plates. Squeeze sautéed or grilled lemons over the chicken and serve with desired sides.
Notes
- Chicken Breasts: You can substitute the 4 large chicken breasts with 8 thin-cut chicken breasts.
- Make sure to use an internal meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160°F.
- For best crust adherence, pat chicken completely dry before applying herb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
