Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you know their signature rolls and cinnamon butter often steal the spotlight—but their buttery chicken dishes are just as crave-worthy. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet captures that same mouthwatering flavor with tender chicken breasts, rich garlic butter, and a perfectly seasoned finish. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

My recipe story

The inspiration for this dish came after a family night out at Texas Roadhouse. While the warm rolls and cinnamon butter are the star of the show, I couldn’t stop thinking about their tender, juicy chicken cooked in butter and garlic. I knew I had to recreate something similar at home. After experimenting with different butter-to-garlic ratios and cooking methods, I landed on this skillet version that delivers the same rich, indulgent flavors without leaving the house. It’s now a staple recipe in my kitchen whenever we want a cozy, restaurant-inspired meal at home.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe keeps things simple while delivering maximum flavor. The chicken is the centerpiece, and choosing boneless, skinless breasts or thighs allows the buttery sauce to shine. Thighs will give you juicier, more forgiving results, while breasts keep things leaner and classic.

Butter is key to this dish—it provides that signature richness and enhances the garlic. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. The garlic adds depth, infusing the chicken and sauce with irresistible aroma. A hint of seasoning, like salt, black pepper, paprika, or even Italian herbs, rounds out the dish without complicating the recipe.

Finally, optional garnishes such as fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate the dish and give it that restaurant-style presentation. With only a handful of ingredients, this dish proves that simplicity often equals the best flavor.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs for flipping chicken

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with a paper towel to help them sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the skillet.

Step 2: Melt the butter. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt completely and begin to sizzle before adding the chicken. This step ensures the meat develops a golden crust without sticking.

Step 3: Sear the chicken. Carefully lay the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Use tongs to flip for even browning. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should turn fragrant and lightly golden, not brown.

Step 5: Return the chicken. Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter over the top. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken finish cooking gently in the sauce for another 5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, squeeze over a little lemon juice if desired, and serve hot. Spoon the extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken when plating.

Variations & substitutions

If you prefer dark meat, swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs—they’re more forgiving and stay juicy. For added flavor, stir in a splash of white wine or chicken broth with the garlic butter to create more sauce. If you like spice, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream at the end to turn the garlic butter into a luscious cream sauce. Vegetarians can adapt the recipe by substituting chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a rich, meatless option.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To make ahead, season and sear the chicken, then finish the garlic butter step just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Serving ideas & pairings

This buttery chicken skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. To mimic the full Texas Roadhouse experience, serve alongside warm dinner rolls brushed with butter and honey. A glass of Chardonnay or sweet iced tea also makes a refreshing pairing to balance the richness of the dish.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

What type of skillet works best?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heating and flavor development, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it will still be delicious.

How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
Sear them properly, then finish cooking gently in the sauce. Using a thermometer ensures you don’t overcook the chicken.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the chicken in batches and double the sauce ingredients. It’s great for feeding a crowd.

Final thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With minimal ingredients and just one skillet, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers every time. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that feels both comforting and impressive—a true weeknight winner with a touch of steakhouse charm.

Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy chicken seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, this skillet meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 lemon wedge (optional, for serving)
  

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling.

3. Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove to a plate.
4. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon garlic butter over the top. Reduce heat and cook 5 more minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F.

6. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
   

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American