Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss!

Introduction

If you’ve ever sat down at Texas Roadhouse and wondered how to recreate that irresistible buttery chicken flavor at home, this recipe is for you. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss combines juicy chicken breasts (or thighs), a generous amount of butter, and a simple but flavorful garlic broth sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s easy enough for beginners yet refined enough for seasoned home cooks who want a new comfort food classic.

My recipe story

I first stumbled upon the inspiration for this dish during a family dinner at Texas Roadhouse. While most people rave about the rolls and cinnamon butter, I couldn’t stop thinking about the buttery chicken skillet we ordered. It was rich but not heavy, perfectly seasoned, and left me craving more. That night, I came home determined to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. After several trials and tweaks, this skillet recipe was born—a simple yet indulgent dish that captures the essence of comfort food with restaurant flair.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse kitchen.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the base. Breasts provide a leaner option, while thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Choose whichever you prefer, but be sure not to overcook them for maximum tenderness.

Butter: The star of the show! Butter infuses the dish with richness and a silky texture. Dividing it between searing and finishing ensures maximum flavor layering. For even more depth, you can use a mix of salted and unsalted butter.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the entire dish. Its aroma pairs beautifully with butter, creating that signature Texas Roadhouse-style flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible for the freshest taste.

Chicken broth: This forms the sauce base. It helps balance the richness of butter while adding a savory note. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can better control seasoning.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs for flipping chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly and develop a golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking, as this ensures more even cooking.

Step 2: Heat the skillet. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt until it begins to foam, signaling it’s ready for searing. Swirl the pan to coat the surface evenly, creating the perfect nonstick base for your chicken.

Step 3: Sear the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not aiming to cook the chicken fully yet—just to develop flavor and texture through browning.

Step 4: Add garlic. Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir it gently around the pan, letting it become fragrant without burning, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 5: Deglaze with broth. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce. Let the broth simmer, reducing slightly for a more concentrated taste.

Step 6: Add remaining butter. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt into the broth and garlic mixture. This creates a velvety, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Rest and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and moist. Spoon the buttery garlic sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Try swapping chicken broth for white wine for a more sophisticated flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat, or stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce. Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can be tossed into the skillet for a heartier meal. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s texture. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’d like to prep ahead, season and sear the chicken in advance, then finish the sauce just before serving for maximum freshness.

Serving ideas & pairings

This skillet chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad balances the richness. For a true Texas Roadhouse-inspired spread, pair it with warm dinner rolls and a baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon butter.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish dairy-free? Absolutely! Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

What herbs work best with this recipe? Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary complement the buttery garlic flavor beautifully.

How do I thicken the sauce? Allow the broth to simmer longer, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a quick thickening boost.

Can I meal-prep this recipe? Yes, it reheats well, making it great for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. With its golden, buttery sauce and tender chicken, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish promises to satisfy every time. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s destined to become a new household favorite.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss!

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Juicy chicken simmered in a buttery garlic sauce, inspired by Texas Roadhouse flavors. A quick, comforting skillet dinner everyone loves.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme if using.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter to create a silky sauce.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the buttery sauce. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American