Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe

I love when a recipe looks fancy, but secretly comes together in under an hour for a truly hearty meal.

This texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe delivers exactly that, creating a stunning presentation with crispy edges and a creamy spinach filling hidden inside. This healthy, high-protein chicken breast recipe is perfect for when you want a hearty, family-friendly meal that feels like a special restaurant dinner. Forget the long wait at the restaurant; this simple method allows you to create a beautiful, stuffed chicken breast right at home.

The key to getting that signature flavor and crunch is a specific herb blend and a quick sear-then-bake technique that locks in moisture while creating a perfect crunch. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for a weekend gathering or a special weeknight treat for your family dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1.3-1.5 lbs / 600-700g total): Choose evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking results. Pounding them thinly allows for easy stuffing and faster baking time.
• For the Creamy Spinach Filling: 60 g (1/4 cup) cream cheese (softened), 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach (finely chopped), 2 cloves minced garlic. Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling texture, or a healthy alternative like Greek yogurt if preferred. Be sure to thoroughly squeeze the moisture out of the spinach after cooking to prevent a soggy filling.
• Breading Station: 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) milk or water, 150 g (1.5 cups) Panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving the light, extra-crispy crust characteristic of this particular texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe. The eggs mixed with milk create the necessary binder for the crust to adhere properly to the chicken.
• Herb Crusting Seasoning: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) dried oregano, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) dried thyme, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried rosemary (crushed), 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried parsley flakes. This specific combination of herbs closely mimics the signature flavor profile of the Texas Roadhouse version. Crush the rosemary between your fingers before adding to release its full aroma.
• Cooking Essentials: 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil (divided), 5 ml (1 teaspoon) salt (divided), 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper (divided), fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish).

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Filling. Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. Pound each breast lightly between plastic wrap to an even 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) thickness. In a small saucepan, sauté the minced garlic in 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the finely chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and gently squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach. Combine the wilted spinach, softened cream cheese, 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt, and 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper in a small bowl; mix well.
2. Step 2: Stuff and Secure. Lay each pounded chicken breast flat. Spoon approximately 30-45 ml (2-3 tablespoons) of the spinach filling onto one half, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the chicken over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges together firmly to seal; secure the edges with one or two toothpicks if necessary to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
3. Step 3: Set Up Dredging Station. Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the eggs with milk (or water) and the remaining seasoning (1.25 ml salt, 1.25 ml pepper). In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with all the dried herbs, mixing thoroughly. Make sure the herb mixture is evenly distributed throughout the Panko for consistent flavor coverage on this texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe.
4. Step 4: Crust the Chicken. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated and shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the herb breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken with your hand to adhere well. I make sure to press firmly so the crust holds together during searing and baking.
5. Step 5: Sear and Bake. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well), heat the remaining 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, plus more as needed, over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the crusted chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) at its thickest part. If your crust looks like it might brown too quickly during searing, reduce the heat to medium. This ensures the crust doesn’t burn before the chicken inside is cooked.
6. Step 6: Rest and Serve. Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe rest for 5 minutes before removing any toothpicks and slicing. Resting keeps the juices inside and prevents them from spilling when you cut into the filled chicken. For plating, slice on a bias to reveal the creamy spinach and garlic filling. Drizzle any remaining pan drippings over the chicken and sprinkle generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and aroma.

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Weeknights

For easy dinner ideas, a smart strategy is to prep the chicken ahead of time. You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Place the prepped chicken on a parchment-lined plate in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, proceed directly to the dredging, searing, and baking steps. This shortcut makes the

texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe

perfect for weeknights.

Best Sides to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken

The richness of this

texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe

calls for complementary sides for a complete family meal.

• Creamy mashed potatoes: A classic pairing for a comforting family meal that soaks up the juices.
• Roasted green beans: Provides a crisp, savory element that balances the creamy filling.
• Garden salad: Cuts through the richness with fresh flavors and a light dressing, making it a healthy eating option.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different texture. However, cream cheese provides the classic creaminess found in this

texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe

.

Why do I need to pound the chicken?

Pounding ensures uniform thickness for even cooking and creates a larger surface area for stuffing. It also tenderizes the meat, ensuring a high-protein meal that cooks quickly.

What if my crust gets soggy?

Make sure you firmly press the breadcrumbs on and do not let the crusted chicken sit for long before cooking; sear immediately for best results. I always move quickly from the breading station to the hot pan; a few extra minutes of sitting can make the bottom crust soft before it hits the oil.

Can I bake this without searing first?

Searing creates the golden-brown, crispy crust. Baking directly without searing results in a less flavorful and softer crust. If you skip this step, it won’t be as close to the restaurant’s

texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe

.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispness. Reheating in the microwave tends to make the crust soggy.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure a safe internal temperature (74°C/165°F) is reached before serving. This is a great low-carb meal option.

Conclusion

This

texas roadhouse herb crusted chicken recipe

brings restaurant quality comfort food right to your dinner table, providing a delicious high-protein meal for your family. Pin this recipe for your next special occasion or make it tonight for a delicious weeknight upgrade.

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