Chicken Critters®

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters: Calories, Recipes, and Menu Options

Chicken Critters®

$33.97 / 840 Cal

You’re about to make Chicken Critters, a crispy, golden-brown chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. As you coat each tender piece in a light, seasoned batter, you can already imagine the satisfying sizzle when it hits the hot oil. The outside turns perfectly crisp while the inside stays juicy and tender just the way you like it. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or craving a restaurant-style treat at home, this recipe lets you bring that irresistible, comfort-food magic straight to your own kitchen.

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Chicken Critters Texas Roadhouse Toping Option

You’re in for a treat with Chicken Critters hand-battered, golden-fried chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served hot and ready, they’re perfect for dipping, mixing, and matching with your favorite sides.

Choose Your Dipping Sauce (up to 2)

Pick your favorites you know what you like best!

  • Ranc
  • Honey Mustard
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Buffalo Sauce
  • Creamy Gravy
  • Bleu Cheese

Add a Sidekick (Choose up to 2 options – optional)

Because every meal deserves a little extra flair.

  • Grilled Shrimp Skewer
  • Ribs (Half Portion)
  • Loaded Mashed Potatoes
  • Sautéed Mushrooms
  • House or Caesar Salad

Choose Your First Legendary Side (Choose up to 1 option)

Complete your meal with one of these Texas Roadhouse favorites.

  • Green Beans
  • Seasoned Steak Fries
  • Buttered Corn
  • Fresh Vegetables
  • Mashed Potatoes (with or without gravy)
  • Rice Pilaf

Choose Your Temperature

You get to decide how your chicken is cooked to perfection: from juicy and tender to extra crispy  your choice makes it uniquely yours.

  • Medium: Lightly crispy outside with juicy, tender chicken inside.
  • Medium Well: A little more crunch with a firm, flavorful center.
  • Well Done: Extra crispy and golden  perfect for that deep crunch in every bite.

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Calories

You deserve to know what’s on your plate! Here’s a quick look at the nutrition behind your delicious Chicken Critters  packed with protein, flavor, and balance in every bite.

NutrientAmount (6oz–8oz)Description
Calories480The total energy your meal provides to keep you fueled.
Calories from Fat190Part of the total calories that come from healthy fats used in cooking.
Total Fat (g)21gAdds flavor and helps your body absorb essential vitamins.
Saturated Fat (g)4gThe solid fat that gives your chicken its rich, crispy taste.
Trans Fat (g)0gNo harmful trans fats  cooked right for a better choice.
Cholesterol (mg)130mgNaturally found in chicken; supports hormone and cell function.
Sodium (mg)1190mgEnhances flavor and helps maintain fluid balance.
Total Carbohydrates (g)26gProvides energy from the breading and sides.
Dietary Fiber (g)3gAids digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
Sugars (g)2gNaturally occurring sugars from marinades or sauces.
Protein (g)45gThe star of the show  builds and repairs muscle tissue.

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Recipe

You’re about to make your own version of the famous Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can recreate that signature golden crunch right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders: your main star — tender and easy to cook.
  • 2 cups buttermilk: keeps the chicken juicy and helps the coating stick.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: forms the base for that perfect crispy coating.
  • 1 cup cornstarch: adds extra crunch to the breading.
  • 2 large eggs: binds everything together.
  • 1 tsp salt: enhances the flavor of the chicken.
  • ½ tsp black pepper: adds just the right amount of seasoning.
  • ½ tsp paprika: gives a touch of color and mild smoky flavor.
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder: for a subtle savory kick.
  • ¼ tsp onion powder: balances the flavor nicely.
  • Vegetable oil (for frying): enough to submerge the tenders for an even fry.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters

You’re about to bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Follow these easy steps to create crispy, golden Chicken Critters that are tender, juicy, and bursting with that signature Texas Roadhouse taste.

  • Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to make them extra juicy and tender.
  • Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for that crispy, flavorful breading.
  • Set Up the Dredging Station: Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and back into the flour for a double coat that guarantees crunch.
  • Heat the Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C)  the perfect temperature for golden-brown chicken.
  • Fry the Chicken: Fry tenders in small batches for 4–6 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).
  • Drain and Serve: Place the cooked Chicken Critters on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like Ranch, Honey Mustard, or BBQ.

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters Allergens

You deserve to know exactly what’s in your meal. Here’s a quick look at the common allergens found in Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters, so you can make the best choice for your dietary needs.

  • Eggs:  Used in the batter and coating process to help the breading stick.
  • Milk / Dairy: Buttermilk is used to tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor.
  • Wheat / Gluten: Present in the flour and breading mixture used for coating.
  • Soy (possible)  May be present in the frying oil or cross-contact from other fried foods.
  • Peanuts / Tree Nuts: Not a standard ingredient, but cross-contact could occur in shared cooking or prep areas.

FAQs

1. What are Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters?

They’re crispy, hand-battered chicken tenders fried to golden perfection  juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, just like the ones served at Texas Roadhouse.

2. What makes Chicken Critters different from regular chicken tenders?

Unlike most tenders, Chicken Critters use a light, seasoned batter instead of a heavy breading. This gives them a crisp, airy texture and that signature flavor everyone loves.

3. Can I bake or air-fry Chicken Critters instead of deep-frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

4. What dipping sauces go best with Chicken Critters?

Classic favorites include Ranch, Honey Mustard, BBQ, and Buffalo Sauce  but you can try spicy mayo, chipotle ranch, or garlic aioli for a twist.

5. Can I make Chicken Critters ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can coat the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then fry when ready to serve for maximum crunch and flavor.

6. Are Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters gluten-free?