Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

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If your weeknight dinners are starting to feel a little too routine, this Texas Roadhouse-style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is just what you need. Inspired by the bold, comforting flavors of your favorite steakhouse, this dish turns everyday chicken into something deeply satisfying and crave-worthy. The buttery garlic sauce clings to juicy, golden-seared chicken bites, making each bite rich, savory, and loaded with flavor.

What makes this dish so special isn’t just the restaurant-style taste—it’s the fact that it comes together in a single skillet with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Whether served with mashed potatoes, over rice, or alongside buttery noodles, it’s comfort food made easy.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully for this recipe. Chicken breasts provide a leaner option with a quick cook time, while thighs offer a richer flavor and stay extra juicy in the garlic butter sauce. Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks so they sear quickly and absorb all the flavors.

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Ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: The star of the show. Juicy chicken pieces are the perfect protein base for the skillet.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with deep, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: This is what gives the dish its rich and silky sauce. Don’t skimp on it!
• Olive Oil: Helps get the chicken beautifully golden without burning the butter.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in each ingredient.
• Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Paprika: For a gentle kick of heat or smokiness, depending on your mood.

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How To Make the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This ensures a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes if using.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden (but not browned).

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb all that flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Serve this skillet hot, right off the stove, with a generous spoonful of sauce over your favorite sides. It pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or egg noodles. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp salad to complete the meal.

For storing, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, though fresh garlic is best for full flavor. If you use pre-minced, add a little more since it tends to be milder.

Can this be made dairy-free?

You can swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter. Just note that the flavor might be slightly different.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. It’s mild unless you add red pepper flakes or paprika. Adjust those to your taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, the chicken freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Skillet reheating with a splash of broth keeps it moist. The microwave works too but stir often to avoid uneven heating.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a large enough skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.

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Want More Chicken Skillet Ideas?

If this garlic butter chicken skillet hits the spot, here are some other crave-worthy meals to explore next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a creamy, comforting twist.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you enjoy zesty, herby flavors.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a sweet-heat profile.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to sneak in extra veggies.
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein for a noodle-lovers favorite with Asian flair.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with thighs or breasts? Add some spice or keep it mellow?

I love seeing your recreations and tweaks! Don’t forget to tag me if you share it. And if you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, you can check out what I’m cooking daily on my Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes.

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