Get ready to bring the taste of Texas Roadhouse right to your kitchen with this crispy, golden, and downright irresistible Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe!
These hand-battered tenders are packed with flavor, perfectly crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside—just like the restaurant favorite. Whether you’re serving them up with a side of honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce, these homemade Chicken Critters will be a hit with the whole family.
Skip the takeout and make this crowd-pleasing classic at home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy and golden – Just like the restaurant version!
- Tender and juicy – Perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
- Family favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great for dipping – Pairs well with any sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings – Ideal for parties or game nights.
- Better than takeout – Fresh, homemade, and delicious!
- Quick to cook – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable seasoning – Adjust flavors to your taste!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken tenderloins – Tender, juicy, and perfect for frying.
- All-purpose flour – Creates a crispy, golden coating.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor and color.
- Salt – Enhances all the delicious flavors.
- Garlic powder – Brings a savory, aromatic taste.
- Onion powder – Adds depth and mild sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper – A hint of heat for extra kick.
- Eggs – Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
- Milk or Buttermilk– Adds moisture for a tender bite.
How To Make Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters
Step One: In a bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk.
Step Two: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating. Set your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
Step Three: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Air fry at 375 degrees F and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step Four: Set the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch!
Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: For the best texture, use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken tenders rather than frozen. They cook more evenly and maintain a juicy inside.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and leave space between them for optimal air circulation. Overcrowding can prevent them from getting crispy.
- Season Well: Make sure the flour coating is well-seasoned with enough paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly golden and crispy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Experiment with Dips: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce, for extra flavor!
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover chicken critters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken critters in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken critters in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes for a golden, crispy texture.
What To Serve With Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe
When serving your Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters, pair them with classic sides like crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a side of buttery mashed potatoes.
For a refreshing contrast, a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or honey mustard dipping sauce complements the savory chicken perfectly. If you’re craving something extra, warm, freshly baked bread with cinnamon butter is a must-try addition to make your meal even more indulgent.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins? Yes! You can cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to make your own chicken tenderloins for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can bake the chicken critters in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Can I freeze the chicken critters? Yes! After breading the chicken, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Can I make the chicken critters spicier? Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Critters? These crispy chicken tenders are perfect with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a zesty twist.
More Easy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Recipes
- Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Outback Steakhouse Toowoomba Steak
- Copycat Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup
- Outback Steakhouse Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
- Air Fryer Outback Steakhouse Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion
Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins , (or cut chicken breasts into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk, or buttermilk
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs and mix in the ½ cup milk.
- Dip each 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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