Creamy Cajun Potato Soup with Andouille Sausage
Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken: A Copycat Recipe You Can Make at Home
This copycat Texas Roadhouse garlic butter chicken recipe brings the bold, buttery flavors of the famous steakhouse right to your kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared in a skillet and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce that tastes just like the restaurant version. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course, this easy garlic butter chicken is ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
If you love restaurant-style chicken dishes, you should also try this creamy orzo chicken for another fast and flavorful skillet meal. And for a seafood twist on the butter sauce, check out this baked boursin salmon recipe.
Why This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chicken Recipe Works
The secret behind Texas Roadhouse garlic butter chicken is the balance of simple seasonings and a generous butter-garlic sauce. Here is what makes this recipe stand out:
– One-pan cooking: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor from the fond (browned bits) left behind by the chicken.
– 30-minute meal: From start to plate in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– Low-carb and keto-friendly: With only 2g of carbs per serving, this garlic butter chicken fits perfectly into low-carb and keto meal plans.
– Restaurant-quality flavor at home: The combination of paprika, garlic, and butter creates that signature Texas Roadhouse taste without leaving the house.
– Customizable: Add heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter chicken version, toss in Parmesan for extra richness, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this copycat garlic butter chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — Pound them to even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for uniform cooking.
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced — Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch but is not quite the same.
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter — Unsalted gives you full control over the seasoning. Salted butter works too; just reduce added salt.
– 1 teaspoon paprika — Use smoked paprika for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor profile.
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds color and brightness)
Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or dried Italian herbs.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken (Step by Step)
Step 1: Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn. Optionally, deglaze with a splash of chicken broth or white wine and stir to pick up the browned bits.
Step 4: Combine and serve. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over each breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
– Pound the chicken evenly: Uneven chicken breasts cook unevenly. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them to 3/4-inch thickness.
– Do not move the chicken while searing: Let it cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes to develop a golden crust.
– Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature. This prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
– Rest the chicken: Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board.
– Do not burn the garlic: Minced garlic goes from fragrant to bitter in seconds. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
– Deglaze for extra flavor: After removing the chicken, pour a splash of chicken broth or dry white wine into the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits before adding butter. This adds depth to the sauce.
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
This Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe is easily adapted:
– Creamy garlic butter chicken: After making the garlic butter, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
– Lemon garlic butter chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the butter sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
– Spicy garlic butter chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
– Garlic butter chicken thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are more forgiving and stay juicier. Cook times may increase by 2 to 3 minutes per side.
– Air fryer garlic butter chicken: Season and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, then brush with melted garlic butter before serving.
– Baked garlic butter chicken: Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour garlic butter over the top, and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken
Complete your Texas Roadhouse-style dinner with these classic sides:
– Creamy mashed potatoes (the garlic butter sauce is incredible spooned over them)
– Roasted broccoli or green beans with olive oil and garlic
– Texas Roadhouse-style rolls with cinnamon honey butter
– A crisp Caesar salad or house salad with ranch dressing
– Baked sweet potatoes or loaded baked potatoes
– Steamed white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the sauce
For drinks, pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay, a light lager, or sweet iced tea.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with the garlic butter sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat garlic butter chicken is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the chicken moist and refreshes the sauce. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes covered with foil. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Texas Roadhouse garlic butter chicken taste like?
It tastes like perfectly seasoned, pan-seared chicken breast drenched in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce with a hint of smokiness from the paprika. The butter melts into the chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Can I make garlic butter chicken in an air fryer?
Yes. Season the chicken and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with melted garlic butter during the last 2 minutes and again before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts. Increase cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes per side.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Do not cut into the chicken to check, as this releases juices.
Is Texas Roadhouse garlic butter chicken keto-friendly?
Yes. As written, this recipe has only about 2g of carbs per serving, making it an excellent choice for keto and low-carb diets. Skip the optional cream sauce if you want to keep it even lighter.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Make the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before spooning over freshly cooked chicken.
What can I use instead of butter?
Ghee is the best substitute and gives a similar rich flavor. Olive oil works for a dairy-free version but will change the taste. Avoid margarine, as it does not brown or taste the same.
How do I make this recipe creamy?
After making the garlic butter sauce, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Can I make garlic butter chicken for meal prep?
Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce, portion into meal prep containers with your chosen sides, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Why is my garlic butter chicken dry?
The most common reasons are overcooking, not pounding the chicken to even thickness, or skipping the resting step. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken off heat at 165°F, then let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Make extra garlic butter sauce using the same proportions.
What goes well with garlic butter chicken?
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, egg noodles, dinner rolls, or a fresh green salad. The garlic butter sauce works as a built-in gravy for starchy sides.
Experience the Best Creamy Cajun Potato Soup with Andouille Sausage
A velvety and flavorful soup that combines the creaminess of potato soup with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning and the smoky goodness of Andouille sausage. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with loved ones, offering a symphony of flavors from the Louisiana bayou.
Ingredients
- 4 large starchy potatoes (such as Russets)
- 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Start by cooking the Andouille sausage in a large pot until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some potatoes to thicken the soup. Add cooked sausage back to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
- Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
