Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you know the magic that happens when butter, garlic, and juicy chicken come together. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe captures that same savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor at home. With golden seared chicken breasts, plenty of butter, and a garlicky sauce that coats every bite, this dish feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to serve at a family dinner or casual gathering with friends.

My recipe story

My first memory of trying butter chicken at Texas Roadhouse wasn’t planned—it was a last-minute dinner after a long day of errands. What caught my attention was the way the chicken was perfectly tender, nestled in a buttery garlic sauce that begged to be soaked up with warm rolls. From that night, I knew I had to recreate it at home. After experimenting with different butter-to-garlic ratios and seasoning blends, I found the perfect balance that brings out the same bold flavors without being overpowering. Now, this skillet meal has become one of my family’s go-to comfort food dinners, and it never disappoints.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is its simplicity. At the heart of the recipe are boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat). Chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb the buttery garlic sauce well, but thighs add a richer, more robust flavor. Either option will work beautifully.

Butter is the true star of this dish. Using a good-quality butter makes a difference—it lends richness and depth to the sauce. Garlic, sautéed until fragrant, infuses the butter with an irresistible aroma that flavors the chicken from the inside out. To balance out the richness, simple seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley round out the flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice can also be added to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the butter. Altogether, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both simple and luxurious.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Tongs or spatula for flipping chicken
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small mixing bowl for seasonings
• Serving platter or individual plates

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes while you heat your skillet, allowing the seasoning to settle into the meat.
2. Heat the butter: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until slightly foamy. The butter should sizzle gently but not burn—adjust the heat if necessary.
3. Sear the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer for 2–3 minutes so it absorbs the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the butter sauce. If you enjoy spice, toss in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick. Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can also be added to the skillet, making it a complete one-pan meal. For a lighter version, use olive oil in place of some of the butter, while still keeping the richness intact.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers can be stored 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 chicken broth or extra butter to keep the chicken moist. This dish can also be frozen: let the cooked chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you want to prep ahead, season the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, then cook fresh when ready.

Serving ideas & pairings

This buttery skillet chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice to soak up all the garlicky sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus. It also works well with crusty bread or Texas Roadhouse-style rolls to mop up every drop of sauce. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or iced tea makes the perfect pairing for this indulgent dish.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and add a juicier, richer flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

What sides go best with butter chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, and rolls are all excellent choices.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Final thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is everything comfort food should be—rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can bring the beloved restaurant flavor right to your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting guests, or craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you need a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich, garlicky, and buttery chicken dish that’s quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let rest for 5 minutes.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and slightly foamy.

3. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 2–3 minutes.

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

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with extra butter or broth.

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