Gluten-Free Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken

Prep: 10 minCook: 15 min2 servingsmediumAmerican
Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter

This restaurant-style herb crusted chicken features boneless breasts butterflied and pounded thin, then seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs, garlic powder, and spices. The chicken is seared until golden and crispy, then finished with melted butter and charred lemon juice. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust that captures the signature taste of the popular steakhouse chain. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality results at home.

Gluten-FreeNut-FreeKeto

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
    dried oregano, basil, and thyme mix1:1

    Use equal parts of each herb

    Full guide →
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon MSG(optional)
    garlic salt1:1

    Adds umami but different flavor profile

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    olive oil or vegetable oil1:1

    Any neutral cooking oil works

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    ghee or olive oil1:1dairy-free

    Changes flavor slightly but still delicious

    Full guide →
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open like a book

  2. 2

    Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness, then pat dry

  3. 3

    Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, MSG if using, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl

  4. 4

    Sprinkle seasoning mixture over chicken, coating both sides thoroughly

  5. 5

    Let chicken sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate covered overnight

  6. 6

    Heat oil in large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat

  7. 7

    Cook chicken breasts about 5 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F

  8. 8

    Transfer chicken to plate and pour melted butter over top

  9. 9

    Place lemon halves cut-side down in hot skillet until charred about 3 minutes

  10. 10

    Squeeze charred lemons over chicken and garnish with fresh parsley

Tips

Tip 1

Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and better seasoning penetration throughout the meat.

Tip 2

Don't skip the resting time - letting the seasoned chicken sit allows the flavors to penetrate deeper.

Tip 3

Charring the lemon halves adds a smoky depth to the citrus flavor that complements the herbs perfectly.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Season chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook the chicken to avoid dryness - use meat thermometer

Watch

Don't skip pounding to avoid uneven cooking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter→
ghee or olive oil1:1dairy-free

Changes flavor slightly but still delicious

Full guide →

General Alternatives

Italian seasoning→
dried oregano, basil, and thyme mix1:1

Use equal parts of each herb

Full guide →
canola oil→
olive oil or vegetable oil1:1

Any neutral cooking oil works

Full guide →
MSG→
garlic salt1:1

Adds umami but different flavor profile

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay even more moist. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to reach safe temperature.

What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

Any heavy-bottomed skillet works, though cast iron gives the best sear. Stainless steel or carbon steel are good alternatives.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently in oven or skillet to maintain texture rather than microwaving.