If you’re craving a dish that brings the warm, comforting flavors of your favorite steakhouse right to your kitchen, this Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe will be your new go-to. It’s rich with garlicky butter, tender chicken seared to perfection, and a splash of savory chicken broth that creates a luscious, mouthwatering sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this skillet meal captures that signature Texas Roadhouse charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet incredibly effective, working together to build layers of flavor, texture, and a lovely golden hue. Each component plays a vital role, ensuring your skillet chicken turns out juicy, aromatic, and downright addictive.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and absorb all the garlicky buttery goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: This is the heart of the dish, giving that unmistakable punch and aroma.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps develop that silky sauce you’ll swoon over.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust without burning the butter.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lifts the butter and garlic flavor while adding moistness and a bit of tang.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the final dish with a splash of green and fresh flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural taste of chicken and balances the garlic.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a gentle heat and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth or a little kick depending on your preference.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor
The secret to an unforgettable Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe starts with well-seasoned chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry to ensure they sear beautifully. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, and your choice of paprika or red pepper flakes evenly. This build-up of seasoning lays the foundation for a deep, rich flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to a Perfect Golden Brown
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches—this avoids overcrowding and steaming, which can prevent that much-loved golden crust. Cook each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest, preserving all the juicy goodness.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Turn the heat down to medium and add your butter straight into the skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and achieves a lightly golden color. This step is crucial—it infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma that defines this dish.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Develop the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen all those flavorful browned bits that stuck during searing. Allow this mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and concentrating the flavors. The broth rounds out the richness of the butter, building a sauce that’s both silky and savory.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Slide the chicken pieces back into the skillet and gently stir so every piece gets coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Let the chicken simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors and warm through. You’ll notice how the sauce thickens just enough to cling to each tender bite.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve
Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the skillet just before serving. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness beautifully. Serve your Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe hot over your favorite mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender noodles—whatever you like best to soak up that buttery sauce.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a few extra sprigs of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten each bite. Some grated Parmesan can also elevate the richness, giving a subtle salty tang that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe shines best when paired with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or even buttery egg noodles. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies offer a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the garlic butter chicken on toasted baguette slices for an elevated appetizer or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a splash of natural sweetness. You can even toss it into warm tortillas along with some fresh greens for a delicious, rustic taco night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the sauce retains its flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and prevent drying out. You can also microwave with a damp paper towel loosely covering the container to retain moisture. Either way, the dish tastes just as delightful the next day.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay moister and bring a bit more flavor, making them a fantastic choice for this Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic, or can I use garlic powder?
Fresh garlic delivers that authentic, robust flavor and aroma critical to this dish, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work—just add it to taste at the end of cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based margarine. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously garlicky and rich.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, low-sodium vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used to create the sauce, though broth adds more depth of flavor.
How spicy is this recipe with the optional red pepper flakes?
The spice level is mild and can be easily adjusted. Using red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that complements the garlic butter without overpowering it—feel free to omit if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the rich garlic butter sauce paired with tender, perfectly seared chicken—it’s no wonder this Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply treating yourself, it’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in a flash. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every savory bite!
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Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of fresh parsley. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika or crushed red pepper flakes if using. This helps develop flavor and promotes even browning.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches so they don’t crowd the pan, and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and stir well to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce. Serve the skillet hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust paprika or red pepper flakes quantity depending on your spice preference.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when searing to achieve a good golden crust.
- The garlic should be cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best.
