Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

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Golden brown chicken nestled in a velvety garlic butter sauce — this skillet dinner is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of steakhouse flair. Inspired by Texas Roadhouse flavors, this recipe brings bold, savory richness to your dinner table without the need for a reservation. It’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers every single time. The garlic-infused butter sauce clings to the tender chicken bites, offering up a decadent taste that pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the prep right means setting yourself up for smooth cooking. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A must for getting that golden sear on the chicken while evenly distributing heat.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes it easy to cube your chicken evenly, ensuring consistent cooking.
• Garlic Press or Microplane Grater: Unlocks the full aromatic power of garlic for the butter sauce.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Helps keep your flavors balanced, especially with potent ingredients like garlic, butter, and spices.
• Tongs or a Heat-Resistant Spatula: Ideal for flipping the chicken pieces without tearing the crusty exterior.

With these tools ready, you’ll be set to make this skillet meal a sizzling success.

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Ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Each ingredient in this recipe is selected to layer bold, buttery, and savory flavors:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. This is the star of the dish and absorbs all the buttery garlic flavor.
• Salted Butter: Adds depth and creaminess while carrying the garlic notes throughout the sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Key flavor builder. Using fresh cloves brings out a pungent, sweet-savory aroma.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken brown nicely without burning the butter.
• Heavy Cream (optional): If you want an extra luxurious sauce, a splash of cream goes a long way.
• Parsley (fresh chopped): Brings brightness and color to balance the richness of the butter.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly from the start.
• Paprika or Chili Flakes: Optional, for a slight smoky or spicy kick.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized chunks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika or chili flakes if using.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Brown

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown on all sides. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

(Optional) Add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter for a richer sauce. Let it simmer briefly to thicken.

Step 5: Toss and Coat

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes so the chicken soaks up the flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

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How to Serve and Store Your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

This chicken skillet is best served hot and fresh from the pan, with the sauce still bubbling around each golden bite. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even steamed rice to soak up every drop of that garlic butter sauce. Crusty bread is also a great sidekick if you’re aiming for something simpler.

Got leftovers? Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, while breasts are leaner and just as tasty when cooked properly.

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic is ideal for its rich flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced. Garlic powder should be a last resort, and you’ll want to adjust the amount since it’s more concentrated.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Reduce the heat before adding garlic to the pan and keep it moving in the butter. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly and can affect the overall flavor.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Nope! It’s optional. If you prefer a pure butter-based sauce, skip the cream. But if you’re aiming for a richer, creamier texture, just a splash will do.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the cream. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While possible, the texture of the sauce may change upon reheating from frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet, here are more flavorful, family-friendly meals you’ll want to try next:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a cheesy, comforting bake.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked version of savory sweetness.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes if you’re craving bold flavors in a sandwich.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a creamy one-pot dish with greens.
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a steakhouse-inspired twist.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add cream or skip it? Toss in mushrooms or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to ask questions or share your version so we can all cook better, together.

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