Are you craving that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? I’m thrilled to share my take on the Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet that brings steakhouse magic right to your kitchen! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible.
When I first recreated this Texas Roadhouse-inspired dish, the aroma filling my kitchen was absolutely heavenly! The combination of sizzling garlic and butter created a restaurant-quality experience that had everyone gathering around the table before I could even announce dinner was ready.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home for several compelling reasons. First, it transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal in just about 20 minutes! The rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic creates that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor that’s simply impossible to resist.
What makes this recipe truly special is its impressive presentation coupled with minimal effort. When you serve this sizzling skillet at your dinner table, your guests will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s one of the easiest meals to prepare. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, while the sauce adds the perfect amount of richness without overwhelming the dish.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences or add vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to create a complete one-pan meal. The smell when this is cooking is incredible!! I’m always amazed at how something so simple can taste so sophisticated.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken
To create this mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse-inspired chicken skillet, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (preferably unsalted)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Preparing this Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken is straightforward with these basic kitchen tools:
- Large cast-iron skillet (preferably 12-inch)
- Sharp knife for trimming chicken
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
Possible Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about this Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken is how adaptable it is! Here are some substitutions that work beautifully:
- Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option
- Vegetable oil works well if you don’t have olive oil on hand
- Dried parsley (1 tablespoon) can substitute for fresh in a pinch
- Chicken stock or even water with a bouillon cube can replace chicken broth
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) can substitute for fresh garlic when necessary
- Lemon zest can enhance flavor if you’re short on lemon juice
- Try thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Before you begin, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they’ll brown properly rather than steam. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) for more consistent cooking.
Mix your dry seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Allow the seasoned chicken to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, which helps it cook more evenly.
The Cooking Method
- Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until you achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side.
- Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast—it should read 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
Creating the Signature Garlic Butter Sauce
- Using the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits, reduce heat to medium-low and add your butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned (garlic burns easily and becomes bitter).
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Your Texas Roadhouse Chicken
This Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes! For an authentic steakhouse experience, serve it alongside:
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce
- Steamed or roasted asparagus for a pop of green
- Texas Roadhouse-style seasoned rice
- A fresh garden salad with ranch dressing
- Buttery dinner rolls (just like at the restaurant!)
- Grilled corn on the cob with a touch of butter
Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken
After making this dish countless times, I’ve discovered several tips that elevate it from good to absolutely extraordinary:
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet! If necessary, cook in batches to ensure proper browning.
- A cast-iron skillet creates the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white cooking wine along with the chicken broth.
- The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready – if it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
- Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
- For a creamier sauce, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them properly to maintain that amazing flavor:
- Refrigeration: Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: While possible, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (one chicken breast with sauce):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and make the sauce just before serving. Reheat the chicken in the freshly made sauce for optimal results.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
When properly cooked, chicken should be firm to the touch but still have a slight spring. Cut into the thickest part – the juices should run clear with no pink visible in the meat.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken pieces will require longer cooking times (about 8-10 minutes per side), but they add tremendous flavor to the dish.
What’s the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic to the butter just before adding the liquid components. Garlic cooks very quickly and can go from perfectly fragrant to bitter in seconds.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a quality dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Experience Texas Roadhouse Flavor at Home
This Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet brings the signature flavors of your favorite steakhouse right to your dinner table. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform ordinary chicken breasts into something so spectacular! The combination of tender chicken and rich, garlicky butter sauce creates a meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Everyone at your table will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! So grab your cast-iron skillet and get ready to bring a little Texas Roadhouse magic into your kitchen tonight.
If you enjoyed this Texas Roadhouse-inspired dish, you might also love my other restaurant copycat recipes. The blend of simplicity and extraordinary flavor makes this garlic butter chicken a recipe you’ll return to again and again!