Texas Roadhouse may be famous for its hand‑cut steaks and fall‑off‑the‑bone ribs, but the casual‑dining chain also delivers a surprisingly deep lineup of chicken dishes. Fresh, never‑frozen chicken breasts are marinated, hand‑breaded or grilled in‑house and served with made‑from‑scratch sides and those legendary warm rolls.
Despite rising food costs, the chicken menu has remained relatively stable into 2026: most dinners cost between $15 and $20 and include generous portions. This guide breaks down every chicken dinner on Texas Roadhouse’s menu with updated April 2026 pricing, compares taste reviews from food critics and diners, and shares tips to maximise value.
Chicken Dinner Options & Prices (Updated April 2026)
Every Texas Roadhouse chicken entrée comes with two sides (choose from baked potato, sweet potato, steak fries, seasoned rice, buttered corn, green beans, salad and more) and unlimited hot rolls with cinnamon butter. Because locations are independently operated, prices vary slightly the ranges below reflect averages from multiple menu trackers and fan sites. Calories are approximate and can change depending on sides and sauces.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
- $13.49 | 300 Cal
Country Fried Chicken
- $14.49 | 780 Cal
Herb Crusted Chicken
- $14.49 | 260 cal
Smothered Chicken
- $14.49 – 430 cal
Portobello Mushroom Chicken
- $14.99 | 430 Cal
Chicken Critters
- $13.49 | 480 Cal
California Chicken
- $17.99 | 490 Cal
| Chicken entrée | Typical price range* | Calories† | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled BBQ Chicken | $15.99 – $16.99 | ≈300–420 cal | Boneless chicken breast grilled over an open flame and basted with Texas Roadhouse’s signature barbecue sauce. The smoky flavor is balanced by a thick, sweet‑tangy sauce; reviewers call it tasty but relatively simple. |
| Country Fried Chicken | $16.99 – $17.99 | ≈500–780 cal | White‑meat chicken breast hand‑breaded and fried until golden, then topped with cream or brown gravy. Mashed reviewers note the breading is crisp and the gravy plentiful, while Daily Meal critics found it over‑seasoned and the cream gravy too sweet. |
| Herb Crusted Chicken | $17.99 – $18.99 | ≈260–450 cal | Marinated chicken breast rubbed with herbs and spices and flame‑grilled; served with a caramelized lemon. It’s the lightest option calorie‑wise and offers aromatic herbal notes, but some reviewers find it a bit dry and underwhelming. |
| Chicken Critters® | $15.49 – $15.99 | ≈480–620 cal | Texas Roadhouse’s version of chicken tenders: tenderloin strips hand‑battered and fried until crispy. Served with honey mustard or your choice of sauce, they’re widely praised for their crunchy coating and tender meat. |
| Portobello Mushroom Chicken | $18.99 – $19.99 | ≈430–540 cal | Grilled chicken breast smothered in a rich portobello mushroom sauce with melted Jack and Parmesan cheese. Critics call it the most indulgent dish: the thick mushroom slices and nutty cheese create a savory, luxurious topping. |
| Smothered Chicken | $18.49 – $18.99 | ≈420–580 cal | Grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms and either melted Jack cheese or made‑from‑scratch gravy. It’s versatile—you can choose Jack cheese or gravy—and earns high marks for its juicy meat and heaping toppings. |
| California Chicken Dinner | $17.99 – $18.49 | ≈490–650 cal | A grilled chicken breast layered with melted jack cheese, bacon and sliced avocado. This West Coast‑inspired plate is rich but balanced by the creamy avocado and smoky bacon. |
*Prices are based on national averages from independent menu trackers. Your local prices may vary by ±10 %.
†Calories are estimates for the chicken entrée only and exclude sides or extra toppings.
Comparing the Chicken Dinners
While none of Texas Roadhouse’s chicken dinners are considered bad, some receive more love than others. Food critics consistently rank Chicken Critters and Smothered Chicken at the top because of their crunchy texture, juicy meat and abundance of toppings. The indulgent Portobello Mushroom Chicken also scores highly thanks to its rich mushroom sauce and melted cheeses. Country Fried Chicken offers comforting fried goodness, though opinions differ on the sweetness of the gravy. Lighter plates like Herb Crusted Chicken and Grilled BBQ Chicken appeal to health‑conscious diners but may be less memorable.
Combo & Family Pack Highlights
Texas Roadhouse’s Texas Size Combos let you pair chicken with steak or ribs for around $21–$24 and roughly 800–1,300 calories. Popular options include Grilled BBQ Chicken with a half rack of ribs or a 6‑oz sirloin, and Chicken Critters paired with ribs or sirloin. These combos come with two sides and rolls and are generous enough to share. For take‑out, Family‑Sized BBQ Chicken and Chicken Critters packs cost about $35–$40 and feed three to four people.
Saving Money & Getting the Best Value
Several promotions keep chicken dinners budget‑friendly. Early Dine specials (Monday through Thursday until about 6 p.m.) reduce select chicken entrées to $10.99–$11.99—a savings of roughly $3 compared with dinner prices. Kids’ and Ranger meals offer smaller portions of chicken for $6–$12. For additional savings, share a combo with a friend or join the chain’s VIP Club to receive occasional coupons.
Ordering Tips & Dietary Notes
To customise your meal, choose sides that match your priorities: pair fried dishes with steamed veggies or salads for balance, or indulge with loaded potatoes. Ask for sauces on the side so you can control sweetness and sodium. Herb Crusted Chicken and Grilled BBQ Chicken are the lowest‑calorie options, while Portobello Mushroom Chicken and Smothered Chicken are richer. Grilled BBQ Chicken is also listed on the chain’s gluten‑friendly menu; fried chicken items contain wheat flour.
2026 Updates
Texas Roadhouse plans to open roughly 20 new restaurants in 2026 and is installing Roadhouse Pay tablets and digital kitchen systems across all locations. These upgrades streamline service and help maintain menu consistency. The chain is also testing regional drink menus and mocktails, which may create new pairings for chicken dinners. Despite inflation, Texas Roadhouse has kept chicken prices relatively steady by absorbing higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken entrées range from about 260 to 780 calories, while steaks often exceed 420 calories for a 6‑oz cut. Choosing lighter sides and avoiding heavy sauces can make chicken the lower‑calorie choice.
Yes. All chicken dishes come with two sides and unlimited warm rolls with cinnamon butter.
Take advantage of Early Dine specials, share combos, or order family packs. Joining the VIP Club may yield coupons or free appetizers. Kids and Ranger meals provide smaller portions at lower prices.
Final Thoughts
Texas Roadhouse proves that chicken can hold its own in a steakhouse. With plates ranging from herb‑rubbed grilled breasts to crispy tenders and indulgent mushroom‑smothered options, there’s something for every palate and budget. Prices in 2026 remain reasonable—even the most expensive chicken dinner stays under $20—and the generous portions include sides and rolls. Critics praise the Chicken Critters, Smothered Chicken and Portobello Mushroom Chicken for their flavor and texture, while lighter options like Herb Crusted Chicken and Grilled BBQ Chicken cater to health‑conscious diners.
Whether you’re ordering a single entrée, sharing a combo with a friend or feeding the family with a take‑out pack, Texas Roadhouse’s chicken menu offers value, variety and the comfort of a homestyle meal. Pair your dish with a cold lemonade or one of the chain’s new region‑specific mocktails and enjoy the down‑home experience that keeps guests coming back. Check: Texas Roadhouse Ribs Menu