Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

I first fell in love with the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe during a cozy weekend dinner with family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that creamy, buttery sauce clinging to tender chicken pieces, all cooked right in one pan. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the table—perfect for sharing stories and laughter. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with an inviting aroma of garlic, paprika, and thyme, pulling everyone in. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated.

What I love most about this skillet recipe is how simple it is, yet it delivers bold, rich flavors and a velvety sauce that practically melts in your mouth. The chicken stays juicy and gets a gorgeous golden color, while the hints of garlic and paprika create a subtle smoky depth. You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail it; with just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll get restaurant-worthy results at home. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that buttery goodness.

Don’t worry if you’ve never made something like this before—I’ll walk you through each step, share tips to get the texture just right, and even suggest ways to customize it to your liking. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly why this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is a family favorite that’s here to stay.

Ingredient Notes for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

Scan this before you start—exact amounts are in the recipe card.

• Key ingredient: Chicken breasts work best here for that perfect tender texture. Choose fresh pieces with a bit of thickness to keep them juicy during cooking.
• Supporting ingredient: Butter isn’t just for richness—it helps develop that golden sear on the chicken and coats the skillet for flavor layering. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level easily.
• Spice/aroma: Garlic powder and paprika bring that warm, smoky aroma essential for the dish’s signature flavor. Use fresh spices for the brightest taste, and paprika adds a subtle natural red color.
• Liquid/fat: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, balancing the savory chicken broth’s light tang. Be sure to add cream off heat to prevent curdling.
• Optional add-ins: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicks up the heat, and fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the finish.

If you need to swap ingredients, Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream for a tangier sauce, and boneless thighs are a great juicy alternative to breasts. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure doneness.

Essential Baking Tools

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan: A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Sharp knife & cutting board: For clean, uniform chicken pieces—you want them to cook evenly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accuracy with spices and liquids, especially the cream and broth.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To gently stir the sauce without scratching your skillet.
• Instant-read thermometer: Useful for checking chicken’s internal temp (165°F) for safety and perfect juiciness.
• Optional: Parchment paper or silicone liners if you want to prep sides or keep surfaces tidy.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down into simple, friendly steps so you’ll feel confident every moment of the way.

1. Heat the butter: Warm butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering. This melts the flavors out of your onion and eventually the chicken.
2. Sauté onions: Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent—about 4-5 minutes. You’ll notice a sweet aroma develop as they caramelize slightly.
3. Season the chicken: While onions cook, toss chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This forms the flavorful crust later.
4. Brown the chicken: Add chicken to skillet in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 minutes before turning to get an even golden surface. Continue cooking and turning until all sides are nicely colored and the juices run clear. Use a thermometer to ensure they’ve hit 165°F internally.
5. Add chicken broth: Pour in broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This loosens up any browned bits stuck to the pan, building a rich base for the sauce.
6. Stir in cream: Lower heat to gently mix in heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly—around 5 minutes—stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
7. Finish and garnish: Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for color and a bright pop of flavor. Serve warm.

How to Serve & Enjoy

• Everyday: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice for an easy, satisfying dinner.
• For Guests: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of paprika over the top for a pretty presentation that wows.
• Creative Twist: Shred leftovers and toss with cooked pasta or stuff into warm tortillas for a quick fusion meal.

Flavor Boosts & Easy Swaps for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

• For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing onions.
• Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy result.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra texture.
• Try fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a sharper garlic flavor.
• Use coconut cream and curry powder to give this skillet a vibrant, tropical twist.

Make It Ahead & Store It Right

• Make-ahead: Prepare and refrigerate sauce and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 days.
• Room temp: Best served immediately; if sitting more than 2 hours, refrigerate.
• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight, reheat slowly to avoid breaking the sauce; stir frequently.

Reader Questions, Answered

• Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe?
  A: You can, but bone-in pieces will require longer cooking time and careful temperature checks to avoid undercooked spots.
• Q: How do I keep the sauce from separating?
  A: Add the cream off the heat and stir gently, plus avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream to keep it silky.
• Q: What’s the best way to get a golden sear on the chicken?
  A: Use a hot pan with butter or oil and avoid overcrowding so the chicken browns evenly instead of steaming.
• Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
  A: Yes, swap butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
• Q: Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe good for meal prep?
  A: Absolutely! It reheats well and tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

Your Turn to Cook!

Now that you’ve got the full scoop on the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen! Drop a comment below with your tweaks or questions, and if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating. Hungry for more kitchen inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter and let’s keep cooking together.

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