Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

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Tender, golden-brown chicken bites drenched in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce — this Texas Roadhouse-style skillet dish is all about indulgent simplicity. The chicken is seared until perfectly juicy and lightly crisped at the edges, then bathed in a buttery garlic cream sauce that’s deeply savory with a slight kick from black pepper and parsley. The smell alone is enough to draw everyone to the table.

Inspired by the rustic, bold flavors of Texas Roadhouse, this skillet meal is a weeknight winner that tastes like it came from your favorite steakhouse. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the hassle. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary). Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let it burn.

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Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds rich flavor to the sauce. Then add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

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Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken well in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld and the chicken absorbs the sauce.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it a final stir. Serve hot, optionally with an extra dusting of Parmesan and more parsley on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

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Storage Instructions

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

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before storing.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened in the fridge.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Yields approx. 4 servings

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Sugar: 1g

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch (or more) of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

3. What sides go best with this chicken?

Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, buttered noodles, or a simple green salad are excellent pairings.

4. Can I use milk instead of cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute with whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and Parmesan you use are gluten-free.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream and cheese.

7. What if I don’t have Parmesan?

You can use Romano or Asiago cheese, or skip it if needed—though it adds great depth to the sauce.

8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can be added after sautéing the garlic.

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