Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

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Tender, golden-browned chicken thighs swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—this Texas Roadhouse-style garlic butter chicken skillet is a flavor bomb you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite. Perfectly seared with crisp edges and soaked in a creamy, herb-kissed sauce, this dish hits every comfort food note. It’s simple, rustic, and indulgent in the best way possible.

This skillet masterpiece captures everything we love about a good Southern dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—packed with bold garlic notes, a creamy finish, and the irresistible richness of melted butter. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea or want to impress guests without fuss, this dish delivers on both flavor and charm.

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Ingredients for this Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan (optional garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them sear beautifully. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh. This simple seasoning builds a savory base that complements the rich garlic butter sauce to come.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. You want them juicy with a crisp, flavorful exterior.

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Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for maximum flavor.

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Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. This is where the sauce gets its luxurious, velvety body that coats every bite.

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Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let them simmer together for another 3–5 minutes so the chicken can soak up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for a perfect finish.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Texas Roadhouse-Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note: while the chicken holds up well, the cream sauce may separate slightly after freezing—just whisk it back together gently as it warms.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Estimates based on a serving size of 1 chicken thigh with sauce. Actual nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time—breasts cook faster and can dry out, so keep an eye on them.

2. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic for a gentle kick.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free, this recipe qualifies.

4. What sides go well with this?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, buttered noodles, or crusty bread are all excellent companions.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy alternative, though flavor will slightly differ.

6. How thick should the sauce be?

It should coat the back of a spoon—not too thick, but creamy enough to cling to the chicken.

7. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Definitely! Store portions with rice or veggies for a grab-and-go meal throughout the week.

8. What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning will work wonderfully.

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