If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you know their secret weapon isn’t just the rolls — it’s that buttery, garlicky, perfectly seasoned chicken sizzling hot off the skillet. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe captures that same rich, golden goodness right in your own kitchen.
Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared in butter and seasoned with a smoky-sweet blend of spices, then finished with a silky butter sauce that coats every bite. It’s rustic, hearty, and bursting with flavor — just like your favorite steakhouse entrée.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into restaurant-quality chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and ready in 25 minutes. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or a warm roll (yes, with cinnamon honey butter!), this recipe delivers pure comfort and steakhouse satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients Overview
Every element of this dish contributes to the signature Texas Roadhouse flavor — buttery, smoky, garlicky, and just a bit sweet.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Breasts stay lean and tender, while thighs add an extra juicy richness. Pound the chicken lightly to an even thickness to ensure quick, even cooking.
Butter
The star ingredient! Salted butter builds the base of both the sauce and the sear. It adds richness and helps develop a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
Seasoning Blend
The Texas Roadhouse flavor comes from a perfect balance of:
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Paprika (smoky sweetness)
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Garlic powder (depth and aroma)
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Onion powder (savory backbone)
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Brown sugar (touch of caramelized sweetness)
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Black pepper and salt (balance)
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Cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional kick)
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor and infuses the butter with an irresistible aroma — it’s what makes that skillet sizzle magic.
Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice cuts through the richness and brightens the butter sauce beautifully.
Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds color and freshness, balancing the creamy butter tones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with:
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon brown sugar
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Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown with crisp edges. Remove chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons butter and the minced garlic (3–4 cloves). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in:
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds incredible flavor). Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
Step 4: Finish the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the butter sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes over low heat, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add the final touch: 1 tablespoon cold butter swirled into the pan to create a glossy finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot, spooning plenty of that buttery sauce over each piece.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
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Spice Level: Adjust cayenne or omit for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for more depth.
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Add Cream: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy butter sauce twist.
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Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Monterey Jack on top before serving.
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Vegetable Add-Ins: Mushrooms, green beans, or spinach cook beautifully in the same skillet.
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Lemon Butter Herb Version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an herby variation.
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Grill Option: Marinate the chicken in the butter mixture, then grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side and drizzle with melted garlic butter afterward.
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Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or butter to revive the sauce.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet fits any occasion — from weeknight dinners to weekend feasts. It’s simple enough for a quick meal yet rich enough to serve guests.
Perfect pairings include:
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Mashed potatoes – creamy and perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
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Buttered corn or green beans – classic Texas Roadhouse sides.
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Garlic bread or rolls – because that sauce needs to be mopped up.
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Rice or pasta – transforms it into a full comfort bowl.
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Side salad – adds freshness and contrast.
This skillet also doubles as meal prep — just reheat and serve with a new starch or veggie each day for variety.
Nutritional & Health Notes
Each serving (based on 4 portions) has about 420–480 calories, depending on butter and side choices.
Nutrition highlights:
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Protein-rich: Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein.
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Healthy fats: Butter in moderation offers natural fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E).
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Low-carb: Naturally keto-friendly when served with non-starchy sides.
For a lighter version, reduce butter by half and replace half of the chicken broth with lemon juice or white wine for a tangy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of butter should I use?
Use salted butter for that authentic steakhouse flavor. If using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the sauce.
2. Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and stay tender even if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time by a few minutes longer.
3. What skillet works best?
A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor, but stainless steel or nonstick pans work too.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store in the fridge up to 4 days and warm over medium heat with a splash of broth or butter.
5. How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
6. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Increase cayenne or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to the sauce.
7. What can I serve this with for a full Texas Roadhouse-style meal?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, and cinnamon honey butter for the full restaurant experience.
Tasty Recipes Card
Description:
Juicy chicken seared and simmered in a buttery garlic sauce inspired by Texas Roadhouse — rich, golden, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients:
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4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
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5 tbsp butter, divided
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp brown sugar
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Pinch of cayenne (optional)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
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Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
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In skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
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Add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic to skillet; sauté 30 seconds.
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Add broth and lemon juice; scrape pan and simmer 2–3 minutes.
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Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and cook 5–7 minutes until done.
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Stir in final tbsp butter for gloss. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes:
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Add cream for a creamy version.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies.
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Store leftovers up to 4 days in fridge.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings