If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about the buttery, savory magic of Texas Roadhouse-style chicken, this skillet version is your ticket to bringing that experience right into your kitchen. These golden, pan-seared chicken bites are bathed in a garlic butter glaze, delivering bold flavor with every juicy bite. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests without the fuss, this dish delivers restaurant-style satisfaction with minimal effort.

What makes this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet so special is the balance of textures and flavors. The seared exterior locks in moisture, while the rich butter sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, coats each piece for a luscious finish. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with steamed veggies to round out the meal — either way, it’s bound to be a repeat request in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added depth)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better. Season generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika for an extra kick of smoky depth.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan. Let it sear without moving it for 2–3 minutes to get that beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn. Add the remaining butter, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes, stirring to create a rich, buttery base.

Step 4: Combine and Glaze

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to soak into the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in a sealed freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tip: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to evenly warm and revive the buttery sauce.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 32g

Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g
Sodium: ~420mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless thighs also work great for a juicier texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and sear the chicken in advance. Reheat with the butter sauce just before serving for best flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them based on your preference.

What can I serve with it?

Mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, rice, or steamed vegetables all complement it well.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for richness, but margarine can be used if needed — though the flavor might differ slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside is golden brown.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be sautéed in the same pan after the chicken is removed.

Will it work with pre-cooked chicken?

While fresh-cooked chicken yields better results, you can toss pre-cooked chicken in the garlic butter sauce for a fast version.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the flavor-packed, savory taste of the steakhouse into your own kitchen. Each bite is tender and juicy, coated in a garlic butter glaze that’s rich, bold, and unforgettable. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this skillet meal is ready in no time and guaranteed to please.

Instructions

Pat chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken in a single layer. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add remaining butter, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Return cooked chicken to skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish