Crave-Worthy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
If you’ve ever wished you could bring the irresistible flavors of Texas Roadhouse into your own kitchen, then this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, rich, and satisfying dish combines tender chicken with buttery goodness and just the right amount of spice, making dinner time feel like a special occasion any night of the week. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a Texan twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless flavor: This skillet recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste that rivals any restaurant dish.
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner prep quick.
- Creamy and comforting: The rich butter sauce coats each piece of chicken perfectly, creating a luscious texture you’ll love.
- Customizable spice level: Easily adjust the heat to suit your preference without compromising flavor.
- Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults alike, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, achieving creamy texture, and giving the dish its signature color and aroma.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy cuts that soak up all the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Butter: The star ingredient that brings that rich, velvety mouthfeel and authentic Roadhouse flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and a slight pungency.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky sauce that perfectly balances the spices and butter.
- Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a subtle red hue to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural chicken taste.
- Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Variations for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a bolder, heat-forward version.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Dairy-free swap: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Herb variety: Experiment with thyme or rosemary instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
- Grain accompaniment: Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Prepare and season the chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika not only gives the chicken a beautiful color but also adds a nice smoky layer.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a good amount of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 3: Create the butter sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add more butter along with minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Make it creamy
Slowly pour in the heavy cream to the pan, stirring continuously to combine with the butter and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently, thickening to a luscious sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the dish
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the butter sauce over each piece. Allow everything to cook together for a couple of minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavorful richness.
Pro Tips for Making Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Dry the chicken well: Removing moisture ensures you get a perfect golden crust during searing.
- Low and slow for sauce: Simmer the cream gently to avoid curdling and get a smooth texture.
- Butter quality matters: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor control and creaminess.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to keep the skillet hot and prevent steaming.
- Fresh garlic beats powder: For that fresh, aromatic punch, always choose fresh garlic cloves.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add a vibrant green pop and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich butter sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a simple bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden platter with a side of warm dinner rolls and a fresh garden salad. Adding lemon wedges on the side also brightens the entire meal and invites guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making great next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when stored properly in freezer-safe containers. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce up to 2 months for easy reheating later.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and work wonderfully in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, giving the dish extra flavor and tenderness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this recipe has a mild warmth mainly from paprika. You can always add chili flakes or cayenne if you like more heat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
What can I serve with this skillet recipe?
Anything from garlic mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or even crusty bread pairs beautifully with the rich sauce and chicken.
How long does it take to cook?
The whole recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Final Thoughts
Give this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet a try and treat yourself to restaurant-quality comfort without leaving your home. The balance of buttery, creamy sauce with tender chicken is pure magic on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the rich, creamy, and buttery flavors of the iconic restaurant dish right to your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken coated in a luscious butter and cream sauce, seasoned with paprika and garlic, this one-pan meal is quick, customizable, and perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Texan / American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and patted dry
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor and color.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan.
- Create the butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Make it creamy: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine with the butter and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a luscious sauce that will coat the chicken.
- Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the butter sauce over each piece. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich sauce.
Notes
- Dry the chicken thoroughly before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Simmer the cream gently on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
- Use unsalted, high-quality butter for better flavor control and creaminess.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if needed.
- Always use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder for optimal aroma and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Butter Chicken, Skillet, Creamy Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner