Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner Hack: A Delicious and Budget-Friendly Meal

Craving a delicious and satisfying Texas Roadhouse dinner but want to save some money or avoid the wait? You’re in luck! This article will guide you through a simple and flavorful hack to recreate the iconic Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner at home. We’ll break down each component of the meal, provide detailed instructions, and even offer tips to customize it to your preferences. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Texas without leaving your kitchen!

## What are Chicken Critters?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what exactly Chicken Critters are. At Texas Roadhouse, Chicken Critters are hand-battered, deep-fried chicken tenders. They’re known for their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and flavorful breading. They are a popular menu item, especially when served as part of a complete dinner.

## Why Recreate the Dinner at Home?

There are several compelling reasons to try this Chicken Critter dinner hack:

* **Cost Savings:** Eating out can be expensive. Recreating the meal at home significantly reduces the cost, especially if you’re feeding a family.
* **Convenience:** No need to drive to a restaurant, wait for a table, or deal with crowds. You can enjoy your favorite meal in the comfort of your own home.
* **Customization:** You have complete control over the ingredients and seasonings. You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Fun and Engaging:** Cooking together as a family can be a fun and rewarding experience.
* **Controlling Ingredients:** You can choose higher quality ingredients and be more mindful of the amount of sodium, fat and additives.

## The Ultimate Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner Hack Recipe

This recipe aims to replicate the taste and texture of the Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner as closely as possible. It includes the chicken critters, two classic Texas Roadhouse sides, and a copycat honey cinnamon butter recipe. Let’s get started!

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Chicken Critters:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1-inch thick)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 large egg
* Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

**For the Copycat Honey Cinnamon Butter:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 tablespoons honey
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Side Dishes (Choose two):**

* **Mashed Potatoes:**
* 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup milk
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Corn on the Cob:**
* 4 ears of corn, husks and silks removed
* Butter, for serving
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Green Beans:**
* 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup water
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Mac and Cheese:**
* 1 lb elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* **Steak Fries:**
* 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Equipment:

* 3 shallow dishes
* Large skillet or deep fryer
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Potato masher (for mashed potatoes)
* Large pot (for potatoes, corn, green beans or mac and cheese)
* Baking sheet (for steak fries)

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Chicken Critters:**

* **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into strips, about 1-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
* **Set up Breading Stations:** In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* In the second shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
* The third dish will hold the breaded chicken.
* **Bread the Chicken:** Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.
* **Rest the Chicken:** Place the breaded chicken strips on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.

**2. Make the Copycat Honey Cinnamon Butter:**

* **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
* **Mix Well:** Use a fork or electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes.
* **Shape the Butter (Optional):** For a more authentic Texas Roadhouse presentation, you can roll the butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator until firm. Then, slice into rounds before serving. Alternatively, simply scoop the butter into a serving dish.

**3. Cook the Side Dishes:**

*Follow the instructions below for your chosen side dishes. You can prepare them while the chicken is resting.

* **Mashed Potatoes:**
* Peel, quarter, and boil the potatoes until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
* Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
* Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Corn on the Cob:**
* Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
* Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
* Remove the corn from the water and pat dry. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
* **Green Beans:**
* Trim the green beans and place them in a pot with butter and water.
* Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Mac and Cheese:**
* Cook macaroni according to package directions.
* While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth.
* Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
* Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
* Drain macaroni and add to cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
* **Steak Fries:**
* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Cut potatoes into thick fries. Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

**4. Fry the Chicken Critters:**

* **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
* **Fry in Batches:** Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
* **Cook Until Golden Brown:** Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**5. Assemble and Serve:**

* **Plate the Dinner:** Arrange the Chicken Critters on plates alongside your chosen side dishes.
* **Serve with Honey Cinnamon Butter:** Top each plate with a generous dollop or slice of the Honey Cinnamon Butter.
* **Enjoy!** Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner!

## Tips for the Best Chicken Critter Dinner

* **Use Quality Chicken:** Opt for high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
* **Use a Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked through without being overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices in the breading to suit your preferences. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.
* **Experiment with Dipping Sauces:** While the Honey Cinnamon Butter is a classic accompaniment, you can also serve the Chicken Critters with other dipping sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the Honey Cinnamon Butter and bread the chicken ahead of time. Store the breaded chicken in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
* **For Crispier Chicken:** Double dip the chicken. Dip it in the buttermilk then flour, then back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour for a really thick crispy coating.
* **Air Fryer Option:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken critters. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the Honey Cinnamon Butter and dairy-free alternatives for the mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
* **Spicy:** Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breading for a spicier kick.
* **Different Cuts of Chicken:** While chicken breasts are the most common choice, you can also use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
* **Seasoning Variations:** Experiment with different spice blends in the breading, such as Italian seasoning, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Texas Roadhouse Rolls:** Complete your Texas Roadhouse experience by serving the Chicken Critter Dinner with warm, homemade or store-bought Texas Roadhouse rolls and extra honey cinnamon butter.
* **Salad:** A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad makes a great addition to the meal.
* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with fried chicken.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** For a sweeter alternative to steak fries, try serving the Chicken Critters with sweet potato fries.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.*

* **Calories:** 800-1200 per serving (depending on side dishes and portion sizes)
* **Fat:** 40-70g
* **Protein:** 50-70g
* **Carbohydrates:** 60-100g

## Conclusion

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now enjoy the deliciousness of the Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critter Dinner in the comfort of your own home. It’s a budget-friendly, customizable, and fun way to recreate a restaurant favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor a taste of Texas without the wait! Enjoy!