Name: Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and flavorful this dish is. The chicken cooks in minutes and the garlic butter sauce brings restaurant-style flavor without a lot of effort. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime I want comfort food with minimal cleanup. I serve them over rice, with mashed potatoes, or tucked into wraps and salads. They’re always a hit.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Garlic cloves (minced)
Butter
Olive oil
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to help them sear better.
I season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, I reduce the heat and push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
I add butter and garlic to the other side and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
I toss everything together in the pan so the chicken gets coated in the garlic butter sauce.
I garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 25 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine for brightness.
To make it spicy, I throw in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Swapping butter for herb-infused ghee gives it a deeper, nutty flavor.
I’ve also added mushrooms or spinach at the end for a quick one-pan meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep the chicken moist. These chicken bites also reheat well in the microwave or air fryer. I don’t recommend freezing, as the garlic butter sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

It works, but I prefer raw chicken so it gets that golden crust. If I use cooked chicken, I just toss it in the hot garlic butter to warm it up and coat it well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the chicken and seasonings ahead, then cook fresh when I’m ready. The flavor’s best right out of the pan.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this?

I use either breasts for a leaner option or thighs for more tenderness and flavor. Both work well.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I avoid overcooking and let the butter help lock in the moisture. A good sear on medium-high heat also keeps it juicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I just make sure not to overcrowd the pan—cooking in batches keeps the chicken crispy instead of steamed.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are bold, buttery, and completely crave-worthy. They’re inspired by Texas Roadhouse flavors but made right in my kitchen with simple ingredients and fast prep. Whether I’m looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful protein to meal prep, this recipe always delivers.