Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel like a win. I’m a chef who believes bold flavors can shine in busy lives, and this skillet proves it with a 35-minute path from pantry to table. Inspired by Texan comfort and a crave-worthy garlic butter finish, the recipe brings restaurant richness to a one-pan weeknight dinner. On Cookeroni’s About page, you’ll read how my mission is to empower home cooks with practical, flavor-packed meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This article breaks down the technique, tweaks, and serving ideas so you can recreate that bold butter-chicken magic at home. Get ready to savor a skillet that’s fast, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Table of Contents
what make this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet special
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel doable. I reach for it when the calendar is full and my energy is low, yet I crave bold flavors. This one-pan wonder brings restaurant richness to the table in about 35 minutes.
As a home cook, I love how easy it is to sear, baste, and finish in the same pan. It keeps the kitchen calm and the mess manageable, which every busy reader will appreciate. It’s a friendly, forgiving method that delivers big taste with minimal fuss.
With a warm Texan soul and a garlic butter perfume, this skillet hits comfort notes without demanding hours. It’s flexible enough for picky eaters too, and the gluten-free promise is a bonus worth keeping in mind for weeknight menus.
Why Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet stands out
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet stands out for its bold, buttery sauce, quick sear, and one-pan practicality. You get restaurant-worthy flavor without the red-carpet prep time.
It’s gluten-free by design, and you can tweak the herbs to lean spicy or mild. The weeknight timing keeps you in control, not in the kitchen till bedtime.
Best of all, the method is forgiving: a fast sear, a simple simmer, and you’re serving a dish that feels special.
The comfort and confidence of a 35-minute skillet
The comfort and confidence of a 35-minute skillet live in the aroma that fills your kitchen as garlic sizzles in butter. You’ll hear the sizzle, and you’ll know dinner is in good hands.
The chicken browns beautifully, then rests while the butter sauce finishes with a glossy, luxurious finish. It’s tender, silky, and surprisingly satisfying from the first bite.
Plate it with pride, because this is the kind of skillet that makes weeknights feel like a win and your loved ones smile at your culinary quick-thinking.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
As a busy home cook, I love meals that feel luxurious but aren’t fussy. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet hits that sweet spot with bold flavor and minimal steps. It’s quick, comforting, and forgiving—perfect for weeknights and picky palates alike.
Benefits at a glance
- Fast weeknight solution: about 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Bold garlic butter finish: a glossy, restaurant-worthy sauce.
- Gluten-free option: naturally gluten-free with no messy alterations.
- Reheats well: leftovers stay tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Here’s the core lineup I lean on for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. I like keeping it simple, yet bold, because busy days deserve flavor too. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article and in the print-friendly card.
Core ingredients you’ll need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes and quick tips:
- Quality matters: use evenly sized chicken breasts for even browning.
- Substitutions: swap in chicken thighs for juicier results; use coconut milk for a dairy-free variation (adjust broth slightly).
- Herbs: dried thyme and parsley work well; fresh herbs can be used if you have them—1–2 tsp chopped fresh thyme and 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley.
- Broth and salt: low-sodium broth helps control the salt; add more salt only after tasting.
- Gluten-free: the recipe is gluten-free as written; check labels if you buy pre-made broth.
Every ingredient plays its part: chicken for protein, butter and oil for richness, garlic for aroma, and lemon for brightness. With these essentials prepped, you’re ready for the skillet’s magic.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Step 1 : Prep and Season Chicken
First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Moisture blocks browning, so this step matters.
In a small bowl, whisk paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Pat the seasoning onto both sides of each breast for even flavor.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, so it’s ready to hit the pan as soon as the chicken is seasoned.
Step 2 : Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection
Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Sear 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep juices inside.
Step 3 : Make Garlic Butter Sauce
With the pan still hot, reduce the heat to medium.
Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter until it foams.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown; you want aroma, not bitterness.
Step 4 : Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Scrape up the browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce glazes and thickens a touch.
Step 5 : Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the buttery sauce over the top.
Heat through for 2–3 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Quick tips you’ll use tonight
- Prep in advance: pat dry the chicken. Have broth and spices measured for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Keep the pan hot but not smoking to get a crisp, golden sear.
- Don’t crowd the skillet—space helps browning and even cooking.
- For a saucier finish, simmer a minute longer or add a splash of broth.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of chili flakes after the butter hits the pan.

Equipment Needed
With the right gear, I reach Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet-ready in minutes.
- 12-inch heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless) for even browning; alternative: a large nonstick pan.
- Tongs for flipping the chicken and moving pieces around.
- Heatproof silicone spatula or wooden spatula for deglazing and stirring.
- Backups: a Dutch oven or a second skillet if you cook in batches.
Variations
Flavor and dietary twists
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Dairy-free version: use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Swap herbs for different notes—oregano and basil, or fresh thyme and parsley.
- Smoky version: add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a light side to balance the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, like lemony greens or fluffy rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a bright aroma that lifts the dish.
- Offer a cooling beverage, such as iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with lime.
Plate it like a star
Place the chicken on a clean plate, spoon sauce over, and finish with parsley.
Serve with a side and a tall glass, and let the butter shine without crowding the plate.
Ideas for Leftovers and Make-Ahead with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Make-ahead and storage tips
Leftovers are a blessing on my busiest days. I love waking up to a skillet that’s already got flavor magic in it.
- I season the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before cooking.
- I prepare the butter-garlic sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before finishing with the chicken.
- I store cooked chicken and sauce in separate containers for best texture.
- I use airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- I freeze leftovers in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- I reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce and stay silky.
- I reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between sessions to avoid hot spots.
- I finish reheated dishes with a pinch of parsley for a fresh pop of color.
- I repurpose leftovers into bowls with greens or over rice for easy lunches.
Tip: when cooking ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate until reheating. This helps preserve texture and prevents the sauce from thinning too much.

FAQs
Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet gluten-free?
Yes. I make this gluten-free as written, using gluten-free broth and avoiding any flour-based thickeners.
To stay safe, check labels on broth and lemon juice, and use clean utensils to prevent cross-contamination. If you’re cooking for someone with celiac, opt for certified gluten-free broth and keep the sauce separate from any gluten-containing ingredients on the prep board.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
Yes. Thighs stay juicier and add depth of flavor I love.
They’ll take a bit longer to cook. Plan about 6–7 minutes per side for boneless thighs, or 8–10 minutes total if they’re thicker. Finish with the same garlic butter sauce so the dish remains cohesive.
How do I reheat leftovers of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet without drying it out?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.
Stir often and keep it warm on low for about 5–8 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—in short bursts, stirring between sessions to avoid hot spots.
What should I serve with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
Pair it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up the sauce.
A bright greens side or a simple salad adds freshness, while a lemon wedge at the edge mirrors the dish’s brightness.
Final Thoughts
The joy of a weeknight win
Cooking the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is dinner, a small celebration on a busy night. The buttery garlic aroma swirls through my kitchen, lifting fatigue and sparking appetite. I feel confident feeding my people restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal fuss.
That confidence comes from one simple truth: flavor arrives in 35 minutes. The method is forgiving, and the glossy sauce never fails to wow. It fits our hectic schedules and keeps even picky eaters smiling with the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
If you’re juggling tasks, this skillet becomes your ally. Bold flavor, quick finish, and real comfort arrive in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Give it a try this week and feel the weeknight win.
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet 35min Epic Bold Hot.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: Savory, buttery chicken seared to golden perfection and coated in a garlicky, herbaceous butter sauce inspired by Texas Roadhouse.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let melt.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the buttery sauce over the top.
- Cook 2–3 minutes more until coated and heated through.
- Garnish if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Gluten free recipe.
- Serves 4.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 440
- Sugar: Approximately 0 g
- Sodium: Approximately 480 mg
- Fat: Approximately 22 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: Approximately 52 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 265 mg
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, butter chicken skillet, garlic butter chicken, gluten-free skillet dinner, 35-minute dinner, Texan inspired chicken, skillet chicken recipe