Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet RecipeA Savory, Sizzling Restaurant-Style Classic You Can Make at Home

When you’re craving something bold, buttery, and absolutely mouthwatering, few things hit the spot quite like the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe. This sizzling, golden-seared chicken breast drenched in garlic herb butter is more than a dinner — it’s a full-on restaurant experience, right in your kitchen.

We’re going to recreate this iconic dish in detail, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions that bring all the comfort and richness of your favorite Texas Roadhouse meal to your table. This isn’t just a recipe — this is the ultimate guide to making the best Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at home.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’ve ever tasted the real thing at a Texas Roadhouse, then you already know. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a flavor-packed garlic herb butter that melts over the top as it sizzles in a cast iron skillet.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

• Easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for guests
• Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients
• Rich, garlicky butter melts into every bite
• Customizable with spices, cheeses, or your favorite herbs
• Absolutely restaurant-quality results every time

Now let’s break it down into exactly what you’ll need — and how to make it happen.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

To recreate that signature taste and skillet sizzle, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer juicier cuts)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (for a bright, fresh finish)

These ingredients make enough for a flavorful meal for 4 people — and yes, you’ll want to sop up every last bit of that melted butter!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Let’s dive into how to make this juicy, sizzling skillet chicken from scratch. This recipe is made on the stovetop (though you can finish it in the oven if you like — more on that later).

Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Start with the flavor bomb that defines the whole dish: the garlic herb butter.

1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, paprika, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Set aside — you can refrigerate it until ready to use, or keep it soft for easier spreading.

This butter is the heart of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, and it’s what gives the final dish its signature richness.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then generously season both sides of each piece with:

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper

These seasonings mimic the classic Texas Roadhouse flavor profile — simple, bold, and perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Time to get that skillet sizzling.

1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Pro tip: Adjust cooking time based on thickness — thinner pieces cook faster. Don’t overcrowd the skillet.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet (Optional)

This step adds depth and flavor, but is entirely optional.

• After removing the chicken, splash a little chicken broth or white wine into the skillet.
• Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon.
• Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

Deglazing is a classic restaurant trick that infuses your dish with even more savory flavor.

Step 5: Add the Garlic Herb Butter and Finish

Now it’s time for the grand finale:

1. Return the chicken to the skillet.
2. Place a generous scoop of the garlic herb butter on top of each piece.
3. Let the butter melt and bubble, spooning it over the chicken for that buttery, sizzling finish.

This is what sets the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet apart — that gorgeous herb butter coating everything in savory goodness.

Step 6: Serve Sizzling Hot

Serve the chicken right in the skillet (for the true Roadhouse feel) or transfer to individual plates. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover melted butter from the pan over each serving.

Texas Roadhouse-Style Sides to Serve

To complete your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, pair it with these iconic sides:

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and scallions. Spoon some skillet butter on top — yes, seriously.

Baked Sweet Potato

Split it open and top with cinnamon sugar and butter for that sweet-savory balance Texas Roadhouse is known for.

Sauteed Green Beans

A simple, garlicky veggie side that adds crunch and color to your plate.

Dinner Rolls with Cinnamon Butter

Make your own or grab bakery rolls. Serve warm with a swirl of whipped cinnamon butter.

Seasoned Rice or Corn on the Cob

Simple, comforting, and the perfect match for juicy, butter-topped chicken.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to change things up:

1. Add Cheese

Sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar cheese on top before serving for a melty finish.

2. Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter.

3. Add a Cream Sauce

After deglazing, pour in a splash of heavy cream and reduce for 2–3 minutes to create a luxurious garlic cream sauce.

4. Finish in the Oven

After searing the chicken and adding the butter, transfer the skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–8 minutes for deeper flavor.

5. Use Thighs or Bone-In Chicken

Thighs stay extra juicy. Bone-in chicken will need a longer cook time but delivers even more flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This chicken stores and reheats like a dream — perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without butter) for up to 3 months. Add fresh butter when reheating.
• To Reheat: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional, but thighs work great too. They stay juicier and have more flavor.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but adjust the added salt in your seasoning and herb butter to avoid oversalting.

Do I need to use a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron gives the best sear and heat retention, but any oven-safe heavy skillet will work.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

What’s the secret to making the butter extra flavorful?

Use fresh herbs and real garlic, not garlic powder. A touch of lemon zest also enhances the flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken and make the garlic herb butter in advance. Sear and finish just before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic herb butter.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe brings sizzling, savory, steakhouse-level flavor to your home kitchen with just a handful of ingredients and a simple skillet. From the perfectly seasoned sear to the melt-in-your-mouth garlic herb butter, this dish is comfort food at its most indulgent — and most satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. And with all the customization options and serving suggestions, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

Make it tonight — and get ready to hear “Wow, this tastes just like Texas Roadhouse!” from everyone at the table.

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