Red Robin Smokehouse BBQ Chicken: Full Review, Price, Calories & Copycat Recipe
If you love the smell of a backyard grill but don't feel like firing one up, the Red Robin Smokehouse BBQ Chicken brings that flavor straight to your table. This entrée pairs juicy grilled chicken with smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crispy onion straws, and it's become one of the go-to picks for guests who want something heartier than a salad but lighter than a double burger. In this guide, I'll walk you through the taste, the calories, the price, whether it's worth ordering, and even a step-by-step copycat recipe you can make at home.
What Is the Red Robin Smokehouse BBQ Chicken?
The Smokehouse BBQ Chicken sits in Red Robin's Entrées menu, right alongside ribs and steak-style plates. Instead of a bun, you get a grilled, fire-cooked chicken breast brushed with smoky BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a handful of crunchy onion straws. It's built for guests who want the bold, sweet-and-smoky flavor Red Robin is known for, but without the bread and heavier bun calories that come with a burger.
Like most Red Robin entrées, this dish is served with your choice of two sides, so you can build a full plate that fits your appetite. Popular pairings include mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, a side salad, or Red Robin's Bottomless Steak Fries if you want to keep the classic fry tradition going.
Taste Review: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
The first thing you notice is the smoke. Red Robin's BBQ sauce leans sweet with a light tang, and it clings well to the grilled chicken without drowning it. The chicken itself is juicy when it's cooked right, thanks to the fire-grilling method the chain uses across its menu. The melted cheddar adds a creamy, salty layer, and the onion straws are the real star: they bring a crispy, almost fried-onion-ring crunch that keeps every bite from feeling one-note.
Compared to Red Robin's chicken sandwiches, this dish feels more like a dinner plate than a handheld meal. If you're someone who usually orders from the wraps and chicken sandwiches menu, this is a good way to get similar BBQ chicken flavor in a fork-and-knife format. Portion size is generous, and the sauce-to-chicken ratio is well balanced rather than overly sweet.
Burger & Meal Extras You Can Add
Red Robin lets you customize almost anything on the menu, and the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken is no exception. Here are the most popular add-ons guests order with it, along with a note on what each one brings to the plate.
Popular Add-Ons
- Extra hardwood-smoked bacon strips
- Avocado slices for extra creaminess
- Fried egg on top (a Red Robin signature touch)
- Extra cheddar or a cheese swap (Swiss, Pepper Jack)
- Grilled Blackened Salmon instead of chicken
Side Swaps Worth Trying
- Steamed broccoli for a lighter plate
- Side house salad instead of fries
- Sweet potato fries where available
- Mashed potatoes for extra comfort food feel
- Onion rings if you want more crunch
If you're building a meal around your table and want something even lighter, the veggie patty is a solid swap for anyone at your table who skips meat. Check the veggie patties menu for options that pair well with the same BBQ sauce and toppings.
Calories & Nutrition Breakdown
Because the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken skips the bun, it lands in a more moderate calorie range compared to Red Robin's loaded burgers. Here's an estimated nutrition breakdown for the base entrée, not including sides.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~950 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~48 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~16 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g |
| Protein | ~62 g |
| Sodium | ~2,050 mg |
Nutrition figures are estimates based on standard recipe portions and can shift depending on your side choices, sauce amount, and any add-ons. Ask your server for exact numbers if you're tracking macros closely, since Red Robin's own nutrition sheet is the most accurate source at your specific location.
Is It Worth Ordering?
At roughly $18.49, the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken sits in the mid-to-upper range of Red Robin's menu. Whether it's worth the price depends on what you're comparing it to. Next to a loaded gourmet burger, it's a fair trade if you want protein without the bun. Next to a wrap or sandwich, it costs more but gives you a bigger, plate-style meal with two full sides included.
Why It's Worth It
- Generous protein portion with real grilled chicken
- Balanced smoky-sweet sauce, not overly sugary
- Comes with two full sides for a complete meal
- Easy to customize for lighter or heavier appetites
Where It Falls Short
- Pricier than most sandwich and wrap options
- Sodium runs high if you add extra bacon or cheese
- Not on every location's printed menu; ask before you go
If you're watching your budget, it's worth checking whether your local Red Robin runs a happy hour deal that could bring the price down or bundle it with a discounted appetizer. And if you'd rather stick with a classic burger build instead of an entrée, browsing the gourmet burger menu gives you a similar smoky BBQ flavor on a brioche bun instead.
Copycat Red Robin Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Recipe
You don't need a restaurant trip to enjoy this dish. Here's a detailed, step-by-step copycat recipe that recreates the smoky, cheesy flavor at home using a grill or a stovetop grill pan.
Homemade Smokehouse BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onion straws (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry, brush lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Preheat your grill. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn't stick.
- Grill the chicken. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until it's cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Baste with BBQ sauce. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush each piece generously with about 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce, letting it caramelize slightly on the grill.
- Melt the cheese. Move the chicken to a baking sheet, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over each piece, and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.
- Add the crunch. Top each piece with a generous handful of crispy onion straws right before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Finish and serve. Drizzle with the remaining BBQ sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a side salad to match the restaurant-style plate.
Chef's tip: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness before grilling is the real trick here. It cooks evenly and stays juicy instead of drying out on the thinner ends.
Pairings: What to Order Alongside It
A meal like this pairs well with something to sip on and something sweet to finish. For a cold drink, check the drinks menu for classic sodas and freckled lemonade, or look at the milkshakes menu if you want to end on something rich and creamy. The smoky-sweet BBQ flavor here actually plays really well against a cold shake.
View More Red Robin Menus
Still deciding what to order? Here are more parts of the Red Robin menu worth browsing before your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Red Robin Smokehouse BBQ Chicken cost?
It's priced around $18.49 on average, though it can run a dollar or two higher or lower depending on your state and local market pricing.
How many calories are in the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken?
The base entrée runs approximately 950 calories, not counting your two side choices. Sides like fries or mashed potatoes will add extra calories to the total plate.
What sides come with it?
It comes with your choice of two sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, a side salad, or Bottomless Steak Fries, depending on what your location offers.
Is the Smokehouse BBQ Chicken gluten-free?
The chicken and sauce are typically free of gluten-containing bread, but the onion straws and BBQ sauce can vary by supplier. Always confirm with your server or ask to see Red Robin's allergen guide before ordering if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Can I make this dish healthier?
Yes. Swap the fries for steamed broccoli or a side salad, ask for the BBQ sauce on the side, and skip extra bacon or cheese to cut down on calories and sodium.
Is it available at every Red Robin location?
Availability can vary by location and season, since some entrées rotate on and off regional menus. It's a good idea to call ahead or check your local restaurant's current menu before visiting.
Craving More Red Robin?
Browse every burger, entrée, and side on the current menu before your next visit.
See the Full Red Robin Menu