Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

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Golden, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with just a touch of herbaceous freshness — this Texas Roadhouse-style garlic butter chicken skillet is the weeknight wonder meal you didn’t know you needed. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a sizzling skillet full of tender chicken drenched in luscious garlic butter, ready to impress with minimal effort.

It’s the kind of skillet that makes everyone pause mid-bite to ask, “What did you put in this?” The flavors are simple but bold, and the creamy texture hugs every bite just right. Whether you’re trying to replicate your favorite steakhouse flavors at home or just need something warm and indulgent, this recipe is destined for repeat status.

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What Makes This Garlic Butter Chicken So Irresistible?

It all comes down to the sauce. While many chicken recipes rely on heavy creams or processed shortcuts, this one lets garlic and butter shine. By searing the chicken pieces first, you lock in all the juices and build those caramelized bits in the pan that make your sauce truly unforgettable.

The result is a skillet that smells like comfort food and tastes even better. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread—just make sure nothing goes to waste!

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Ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks make for quick cooking and juicy bites. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for extra richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every other ingredient in the pan. Be generous!
• Garlic Cloves: The star of the show. Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, savory depth that bottled garlic just can’t match.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted, butter forms the backbone of the sauce, delivering richness and silkiness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps the butter from burning while searing the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: A little broth deglazes the pan and adds savory volume to the sauce.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and brightness, balancing the richness of the butter.
• Paprika (Optional): Adds warmth and a slight smoky touch to the flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into even, bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

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

Step 5: Return Chicken and Coat

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated and hot.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Add a pinch of paprika if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side.

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How to Serve and Store Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

This chicken skillet shines brightest when served hot, straight from the pan. Spoon it generously over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up all that velvety sauce. For a low-carb option, pair it with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash.

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce, or microwave gently.

For meal prep, you can make a double batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and remain tender even after reheating. Just trim any excess fat before searing.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

You can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer texture.

What sides go best with this skillet?

Mashed potatoes, rice, garlic bread, or roasted veggies all work beautifully. Even a simple side salad makes it a complete meal.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a little broth or butter to refresh the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you’d like to add a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne will do the trick.

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Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If this garlicky chicken skillet hits the spot, you might want to explore a few more irresistible meals perfect for busy nights:

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re craving a hearty, comforting twist.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, pasta-packed dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli that brings veggie balance.
• Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon when you’re leaning seafood but want garlic to stay front and center.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a light yet creamy vegetarian skillet meal.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it when you’re craving buttery, garlicky comfort food.

And if you try it out, I want to hear about it! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Try it with cream? Maybe pair it with pasta or bread?

Drop your version in the comments — I love seeing how these dishes come alive in your kitchens. And for daily new favorites, check out more of my recipes over on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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