Have you ever wondered how to recreate that incredible Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken that melts in your mouth with every bite? This beloved restaurant dish has captured hearts across America with its rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken that practically falls off the fork. Our authentic copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe brings all those amazing flavors straight to your kitchen, using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.
What makes this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken so special is the perfect balance of creamy butter sauce, aromatic herbs, and juicy chicken breast that creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're planning a special family dinner or craving that restaurant taste, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe delivers the same satisfaction you'd get from the original, but with the comfort of cooking at home.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken has become a signature dish that represents everything people love about comfort food dining. This restaurant copycat recipe captures the essence of what makes Texas Roadhouse famous; their commitment to bold flavors and generous portions that leave customers completely satisfied. Unlike other chicken recipes that can be dry or bland, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken maintains incredible moisture while delivering layers of rich, savory taste.
What sets our version apart is the attention to detail in recreating that signature butter sauce that makes the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken so addictive. We've perfected the herb blend and cooking technique to ensure every bite delivers the same restaurant-quality experience. The secret lies in the specific combination of garlic, herbs, and the method of incorporating butter that creates that silky, luxurious sauce that coats each piece of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken perfectly.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
Seasonings & Herbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving

See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1 - Preparing the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound to even ¾-inch thickness
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
- Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb seasoning
- This preparation ensures your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken cooks evenly
Step 2 - Searing the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown
- Flip chicken and cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil to keep warm
Step 3 - Making the Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet
- Cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn
- Add chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary, scraping up any browned bits
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted and smooth
Step 4 - Final Assembly
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece
- Let chicken simmer in sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken requires attention to a few key details that make all the difference. First, always use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.
Temperature Control Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F
- Don't rush the searing process; proper browning develops deep flavor
- Keep heat at medium to prevent butter from burning in the sauce
Sauce Perfection Secrets:
- Always use real butter, never margarine, for authentic taste
- Add butter gradually while whisking to create smooth emulsion
- If sauce breaks, remove from heat and whisk in cold butter piece by piece
Timing and Texture:
- Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
- Serve immediately after making sauce for best consistency
- Warm your serving plates to keep everything at optimal temperature
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for various occasions and tastes.
Dietary Modifications:
- Keto Version: Skip any flour coating and serve with cauliflower rice
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with ghee or olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt
Flavor Variations:
- Lemon Herb: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the butter sauce
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra richness
- Spicy Version: Include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix
Protein Alternatives:
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results
- Try this method with pork chops or fish fillets for variety
- Use boneless chicken legs for a more economical option
Equipment Recommendations
The right equipment makes preparing Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken much easier and ensures consistent results every time you cook this delicious dish.
Essential Equipment:
- Large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Meat mallet for even chicken thickness
- Wire cooling rack for resting chicken
Helpful Tools:
- Fine-mesh strainer for smooth sauce texture
- Silicone spatula for easy sauce stirring
- Kitchen timer to track cooking stages accurately
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage techniques help you enjoy your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken for days after cooking, making it perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights.
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store cooked chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Keep sauce separate if possible to prevent chicken from becoming soggy
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture
Freezer Storage Options:
- Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months
- Make sauce fresh when ready to serve for best flavor
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Meal Prep Strategies:
- Prepare seasoning blend in advance and store in airtight container
- Pound and season chicken the night before cooking
- Make double batch and freeze half for future quick dinners
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms ordinary chicken into restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken: always finish cooking the chicken directly in the butter sauce for the final few minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to marry completely and creates that signature taste that makes Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken so irresistible.
The second secret involves the butter temperature when making the sauce. Never add cold butter to hot liquid; instead, let the pan cool slightly and whisk in butter gradually at medium-low heat. This technique creates the silky, restaurant-style sauce that coats each bite of chicken perfectly and prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming greasy.
FAQ
How long does Texas Roadhouse butter stay good for?
Homemade herb butter for your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container, or up to three months in the freezer.
How long can butter chicken stay in the fridge?
Cooked Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers, ensuring the best quality and food safety.
Is Texas Roadhouse butter real butter or margarine?
Texas Roadhouse uses real butter in their dishes, which is why our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe calls for genuine unsalted butter for authentic flavor.
Can you ask for regular butter at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse will provide regular butter upon request, though their signature honey cinnamon butter is what makes their Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken and bread so memorable.
Ready to Expand Your Copycat Recipe Collection?
Now that you've mastered this incredible Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe, you're ready to tackle more restaurant favorites at home. The techniques you've learned here; proper seasoning, sauce-making, and temperature control, will serve you well in recreating other beloved dishes with the same attention to detail and authentic flavors.
Don't stop with just this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe! Try our Texas Roadhouse Grilled Salmon Recipe for a lighter seafood option that uses similar herb seasoning techniques, or explore our Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for an Asian-inspired twist on chicken dinners. Both recipes build on the skills you've developed here and will expand your repertoire of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken style cooking that brings restaurant quality to your home kitchen.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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