Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters – Crispy & Tender Bites

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters are a favorite among those that enjoy crispy, yet tender chicken. These hand-dipped all-white meat chicken strips are dipped in a light-flavored batter and fried to a golden brown. Unlike some fried chicken offerings, the Chicken Critters are crispy but not greasy, which is why they are a tasty and filling choice for kids and adults alike. Served with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue, they are a flavorful burst of taste with each bite. Whether served as a main dish or as an appetizer to be shared, Chicken Critters complement classic Texas Roadhouse sides such as seasoned rice, steak fries, or a crisp salad. Their down-home, homemade taste sets them apart on the plate, bringing comfort food goodness in each crunchy, juicy bite. Perfect for casual eaters and chicken fans alike, Chicken Critters capture the hearty, flavorful essence of Texas Roadhouse dining.

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup cold water (adjust as needed for consistency)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Cut chicken breast into long strips.
• Place chicken strips in a bowl and add buttermilk, salt, pepper and paprika.
• Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or preferably, overnight, to allow the flavor to develop and the meat to tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

• In a big bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika and whisk to combine.
• Stir in the egg, then add the cold water a little at a time, beating to make a smooth batter — it should be thick enough to coat the chicken, like pancake batter.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• Preheat a deep fryer or deep skillet with 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Putting breadcrumbs on chicken and frying it

• Take chicken out of marinade and allow for excess LM (buttermilk) to drip off.
• Coat each strip in the batter and place in the bowl
• Gently place the battered chicken into the hot oil.
• Cook for 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through, turning once.
• Take them out and drain on kitchen paper.

What Are Chicken Critters?

• Hand-battered, white-meat chicken tenders: strips of chicken breast dipped in a seasoned buttermilk batter, hand-breaded, and golden-fried
• Texture & flavor: crispy outside, juicy inside—lightly seasoned to let the chicken shine
• Cocktail offers two dipping sauces (commonly BBQ, ranch, honey mustard)

Regular Chicken Critters-

• Price: ~USD 13–17 (varies by location)
• Comes with choice of two sides (e.g., mashed potatoes, fries, green beans) and dipping sauces.

Combo Meals –

• Sirloin (6 oz): adds a sirloin steak. ~520 cal .
  
• Ribs: includes ribs instead of steak

Family-Size Packs

• Family-sized Critters: 24 tenders plus salad and two 16‑oz shareable sides
• Pricing: about USD 40–50; includes sides, salad, rolls, and sauces .
  
• Popular pick for takeaway or feeding a group.

Nutritional Info (per regular order) for Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters

Based on Nutritional, Carb Manager & Nutrition Value:

• Calories: 480 kcal
  
• Protein: 45 g
  
• Total Fat: 21–22 g (≈4 g saturated)
  
• Carbs: ~26 g (net 23 g; fiber 3 g; sugar ~2 g)
  
• Sodium: ~1,190 mg
  
• Cholesterol: 130 mg

Why So Popular?

• Former “Top Chef” Roscoe Hall rated them #2 among all Texas Roadhouse menu items, praising the house-made honey mustard dip
• Reddit users highlight the hand-battered crispiness and occasional use of pickle juice marinade for extra tang

Quick Snapshot

Feature	Info
Base	Hand-battered, fried chicken tenders
Portion	Regular (5–6 tenders + 2 sides), Combos, or Family Packs
Nutrition (reg.)	480 kcal · 45g protein · 21–22g fat · 26g carbs
Sauces	BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, hot/mild sauces
Special Touch	Buttermilk + club soda batter; occasional pickle-juice marinade
Home recipe	Includes club soda batter & Cajun-horseradish dip

Tips & Variations—

• Combo options: Easily upgrade to steak or ribs.
  
• Family meals: Great value for larger groups.
  
• Home tweaks: Add club soda to batter for airy crispiness and try the homemade dip.

FAQ – 

Q 1 – What are Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters?

Ans – Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters are hand-battered, all-white meat chicken tender pieces, fried golden and crispy, and served with dipping sauces.

Q 2 – What dipping sauces come with Chicken Critters

Ans – They are traditionally served with a selection of sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue, to provide option variety for taste.

Q 3 – Are Chicken Critters spicy?

Ans – No, Chicken Critters are not spicy. They’re savory with a mild seasoning and are enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Q 4- Can Chicken Critters be part of a combo meal?

Ans – Yes, you can get Chicken Critters as part of combo meals from Texas Roadhouse where you can couple Chicken Critters with ribs or steak for a full meal.

Q 5 – Are Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters gluten-free?

Ans – No, Chicken Critters are not gluten-free because they are breaded with wheat-containing batter and fried in common oil.