Imagine bringing the rich, bold flavors of a Texas steakhouse right into your own kitchen—without the long wait times or the hefty price tag. This Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is exactly that: comfort food at its finest, featuring tender, juicy pieces of chicken seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
It’s the kind of dish that smells like home and tastes like a special night out. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner party, this one-skillet wonder is full of flavor, low on fuss, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
This skillet meal is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The garlic butter sauce is the real star here—rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it clings to the golden brown chicken bites like a dream.
It’s also wonderfully versatile: serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a heartier meal, or keep it low-carb with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For the juiciest result, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the top pick. They cook quickly, stay moist, and absorb the garlicky butter sauce beautifully. That said, chicken breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat—just be sure not to overcook them. Aim for even-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly and give you that golden sear in every bite.
Ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create bold flavors. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building that rich, buttery, garlicky depth.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – They stay juicy and tender while soaking up the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.
- Olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and creates the silky base of the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh garlic – The hero of this dish, giving it a bold, aromatic punch.
- Chopped parsley – Brings brightness and color to the finished dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat.
- Chicken broth – Helps loosen the sauce and brings savory depth.
- Lemon juice – Adds a fresh, tangy finish that balances the butteriness.


How To Make the Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step so you get a perfectly seared, saucy skillet of chicken every time.
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Pat dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if needed. Set aside once cooked.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve immediately while the chicken is juicy and the sauce is buttery and warm. Spoon over your favorite side or enjoy straight from the skillet.
How to Serve and Store Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It makes enough to generously feed 4 people, perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for a few days. Spoon the garlicky chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles to soak up every drop of the buttery sauce.
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing—they soak up the buttery garlic sauce perfectly.
Steamed Rice
A simple, fluffy bed of rice balances the richness of the dish and adds extra comfort.
Garlic Bread
More garlic? Yes please. Crunchy garlic bread is great for scooping up every drop of sauce.
Roasted Asparagus
A vibrant veggie like roasted asparagus adds color and a slight bitterness that complements the rich chicken.
Sauteed Green Beans
Quick-cooked green beans with a bit of garlic or lemon keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Caesar Salad
Crisp, tangy Caesar salad is a refreshing contrast to the savory skillet flavors.
Pasta
Toss the chicken and sauce over cooked linguine or fettuccine for a creamy pasta dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and work well here. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. The red pepper flakes add optional heat, so you can leave them out or adjust to your taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook everything up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
What can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh basil or chives would also pair nicely if you want to switch up the herbs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and make sure your broth is dairy-free.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add lemon zest or maybe throw in some mushrooms?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and bolder.
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Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is everything you want in a home-cooked dinner: fast, flavorful, and full of comfort. With a rich garlic butter sauce and juicy seared chicken, it’s a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant—but made in your own kitchen. Perfect for weeknights, weekends, or anytime you want something that hits the spot. Make it once and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bring steakhouse flavor to your kitchen with this easy and irresistible Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Juicy, golden-browned chicken bites are drenched in a velvety garlic butter sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick dinner, this one-skillet meal delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re searching for a new weeknight dinner idea, a food idea for guests, or just an easy recipe that impresses—this one is a keeper. Ideal for anyone craving savory, satisfying meals that feel restaurant-worthy at home.
Ingredients
500g boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
Sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps it brown better.
Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy recipe, garlic chicken, skillet dinner, food ideas, quick dinner, weeknight meal, chicken dinner