Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken

The irresistible crunch of perfectly golden-brown breading giving way to juicy, tender chicken is what makes Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken a true Southern comfort masterpiece. This homemade version captures all the magic of the restaurant favorite—crispy exterior, flavorful seasoning, and that mouthwatering chicken that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving the taste of Texas Roadhouse or simply want to impress your family with an exceptional dinner, this Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. You’ll learn the secrets to achieving that perfect crunch while keeping the chicken moist and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy, seasoned coating and the juicy, tender meat creates a texture sensation that’s utterly satisfying. Unlike many restaurant copycat recipes, this one actually delivers authentic results using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

What makes this recipe truly special is the double-dredging technique that creates that signature thick, craggy crust that Texas Roadhouse fans adore. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist while infusing it with subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the fried exterior.

Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly forgiving for beginners while still impressing experienced home cooks with its restaurant-quality results. When you serve this Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken alongside homemade cream gravy, you’ll have a meal that rivals anything you’d pay good money for at the restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), pounded to ½-inch thickness
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 3-4 cups)

For the Cream Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons reserved frying oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Thickness: The key to restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken is starting with evenly pounded chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to a uniform ½-inch thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and prevents the dreaded combination of overcooked edges and undercooked centers.

Double-Dredging Technique: For that signature thick, craggy crust, follow the double-dredge method precisely. First coating in flour, then the egg mixture, then back in flour creates pockets where the batter can expand and create those delicious crispy ridges. After the final dredge, press the flour mixture firmly into the chicken and let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes—this resting period helps the coating adhere and prevents it from falling off during frying.

Oil Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to keep your oil between 325-350°F. If the oil is too hot, the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cool, and the chicken absorbs excess oil, becoming greasy. After adding chicken to the pan, the temperature will drop, so adjust your heat accordingly to maintain that perfect frying range.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pounding to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tender meat. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce, whisking until smooth. Submerge the pounded chicken in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This marinade not only tenderizes but also infuses the chicken with subtle tanginess.

Step 2: Create the Dredging Mixture
When you’re ready to cook, prepare your dredging station. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne). The cornstarch is your secret weapon for extra crispiness, while the blend of herbs and spices mirrors Texas Roadhouse’s signature flavor profile.

Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 inch (approximately 3-4 cups depending on your pan size). Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer. The right temperature ensures a golden crust without greasy results.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Return to the buttermilk mixture for a quick dip, then back into the flour for a second coating. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, textured crust. Place on a wire rack and repeat with remaining pieces.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place 2 pieces of chicken into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd). Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll notice the coating developing those beautiful craggy textures that make Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken so distinctive. Transfer to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet, not paper towels which can make the bottom soggy.

Step 6: Make the Cream Gravy
Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the frying oil into a heat-safe container. Return the pan to medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and light golden. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency. A silky, flavorful gravy is the perfect complement to your crispy chicken.

Variations

Spicy Texas Roadhouse Chicken: For heat lovers, amp up the cayenne pepper to 1 tablespoon in the flour mixture and add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also increase the hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade to 1/4 cup. This creates a Nashville-inspired version of Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken that brings significant heat while maintaining all the original flavors.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Create a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. For best results, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to ensure that signature crispiness. The taste remains remarkably similar to the original Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken, making this adaptation perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Herb-Crusted Variation: For an herb-forward twist, add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme to the flour mixture. This brightens the flavor profile while maintaining the classic comfort food appeal of the original recipe. This variation pairs particularly well with a lemon-herb gravy instead of the traditional cream gravy.

Storage and Serving

To store leftover Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave which will soften the crispy coating. Instead, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and re-crisped.

Serve this spectacular chicken with classic Texas Roadhouse sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, or buttery dinner rolls. For an authentic restaurant experience, present the chicken on a warm plate with the cream gravy in a small side dish or ladled over half the chicken, leaving some of that perfect crust visible and crispy.

For a family-style presentation, arrange the Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken on a large platter surrounded by various sides and extra gravy in a gravy boat, allowing everyone to customize their plate. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish.

FAQs

Can I make Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil spray on both sides, then cook for 7-8 minutes per side. While the texture won’t be identical to deep-fried, it will still be deliciously crispy with significantly less oil.

What’s the difference between country fried chicken and chicken fried steak?
The cooking method is similar, but country fried chicken uses chicken (typically breast meat) while chicken fried steak uses tenderized beef steak. Texas Roadhouse is known for both, but their Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken has a particularly devoted following.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay even juicier than breasts. The cooking time may need to be increased by 1-2 minutes per side due to their higher fat content.

Why is my breading falling off during frying?
This typically happens if the oil isn’t hot enough or if you didn’t let the breaded chicken rest before frying. Ensure your oil is at 350°F and let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?
Yes! Mix 2 cups of unsweetened plant-based milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle slightly before using in the recipe.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken is comfort food at its finest — crispy, seasoned perfection on the outside with juicy, tender chicken inside, all topped with rich, creamy gravy. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, bringing smiles to faces and seconds to plates. While it might take a little time to prepare, the results are absolutely worth it, delivering that authentic Texas Roadhouse flavor experience right at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. Master this Texas Roadhouse Country Fried Chicken, and you’ll never need to wait for a table at the restaurant again!

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