Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together rich, buttery flavors with perfectly seared chicken, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is your new go-to. This recipe captures that iconic buttery charm, balancing smoky spices and a touch of honey for sweetness, all coming together in one skillet. It’s ridiculously simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet plays a crucial role. From the tender chicken breasts that soak up the sauce to the blend of spices that awaken your palate, each component combines for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cooked to juicy perfection and ready to soak up that buttery sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The heart of the dish, providing a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• 2 tsp honey: Adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky spices.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky kick that echoes Texas Roadhouse’s signature flair.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and earthiness.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and form a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Sauce Mixture

Start by combining the butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients until smooth ensures that every spoonful of sauce packs the perfect flavor punch when it’s time to coat the chicken later. Setting this aside lets you focus on cooking the chicken first.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. This searing locks in juiciness while creating a lovely texture contrast once the sauce is added.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

After removing the chicken, use the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet—the magic step that loosens all those browned bits stuck to the pan. Stir in your butter mixture and cook everything together until the sauce is silky and smooth, filling the kitchen with that irresistible buttery aroma.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them to ensure every piece is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in this buttery mixture for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors really seep in and create that luscious finish Texas Roadhouse fans will adore.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness, balancing every bite beautifully.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

While parsley is the classic garnish here, consider adding a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika to really highlight the sauce’s warm smokiness. A lemon wedge on the side also adds a fresh zing if you want to brighten things up at the table.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice soak up every drop of sauce. For a vibrant, fresh contrast, serve with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The goal is to balance the rich chicken with something light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to elevate the presentation? Plate the chicken slices over a bed of garlic herb rice or creamy polenta, drizzling extra sauce on top. For a family-style approach, serve everything right from the skillet so guests can help themselves, adding a cozy, shared-dining vibe that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken will continue to soak up the sauce, sometimes getting even more flavorful. Just be sure to keep it chilled properly to maintain freshness.

Freezing

While this dish is fantastic fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

For the best texture and flavor, reheat the skillet gently on the stove over low heat. Stirring occasionally will prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval, until warmed through but still juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, plus they absorb the sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet spicy?

This recipe offers mild heat thanks to the smoked paprika and black pepper, but it is not spicy. If you want a bit more kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when mixing the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your broth is also dairy-free. This swap might slightly alter the flavor but will still yield a creamy, tasty skillet meal.

What is the best way to know when the chicken is done?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when pierced and there’s no pink inside.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to maintain that perfect sear and cook time. Doubling the sauce ingredients ensures everyone gets that signature buttery, flavorful coating on their chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a ridiculously tasty and straightforward dish to your mealtime rotation, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a sure winner. It’s full of personality, cozy richness, and comforting flavors that bring a little Texas charm straight to your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.

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