There’s something magical about a skillet dinner that fills your home with rich, savory aromas and gathers the family around the table without fuss. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is one of those meals. Creamy, buttery, and packed with juicy chicken and comforting spices, this dish is both a flavor explosion and a weeknight hero. If you love creamy garlic butter sauce and crave hearty skillet meals, this one’s for you.
Funny enough, I discovered this dish after trying to replicate a flavor-packed chicken meal from a popular steakhouse menu. One taste and my family was hooked—it instantly became a regular at our dinner table. This version is a little secret weapon for busy nights: quick to prep, one pan, and kid-approved.
If you’ve already tried our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll find this dish just as irresistible—but with a smoky Texas twist. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy restaurant-style flavor without the price tag or long wait. Let’s dive in and bring that Texas comfort straight to your skillet!
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If you’re craving another bold and buttery dish, this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a must-try with its creamy kick and rich flavor.
What is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
Okay, let’s be honest—the name might raise an eyebrow. Butter chicken… at Texas Roadhouse? Sounds like a southern detour through India with a creamy pit stop, right? But fear not: the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet isn’t a traditional Indian dish. It’s a hearty, American-style skillet dinner bursting with flavor from garlic butter, juicy chicken, and simple spices. Think bold steakhouse comfort food in a single skillet.
They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this one seals the deal. It’s rich, satisfying, and just fancy enough to impress without making you sweat. Ready to cook your way to dinner table stardom? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- It’s Flavor-Packed and Comforting: The main highlight? That butter-infused, garlic-kissed sauce that hugs every piece of chicken. Creamy and full of southern flavor, this skillet is the definition of comfort food.
- You’ll Save Big by Making It at Home: Skip the takeout or steakhouse bill. With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish is budget-friendly without compromising on taste.
- It’s All About the Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, maybe a bit of shredded cheese or crispy bacon? Customize your skillet and make it your own.
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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: shredded cheese or cooked bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce start thickening.
- Add Cheese: Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Simmer for 3–5 more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley (and optional bacon or cheese) before serving hot.
Notes
Pros
- One-pan meal, easy cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Customizable with toppings and sides
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home
Cons
- Contains dairy (not suitable for lactose intolerant without subs)
- Not low-fat due to butter and cream
- Requires careful timing to avoid overcooking garlic
If you’re a fan of one-pan wonders like our One-Pan Cajun Chicken & Rice, this dish will easily become your next go-to. Try it once and watch it disappear!
For garlic lovers, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is another creamy one-pan favorite you’ll want to bookmark.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Quick Overview
This skillet dinner is all about bold flavors and easy prep. The dish features tender chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed in a velvety butter sauce with hints of garlic and paprika. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together fast. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—you’re going to love it.
Key Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: shredded cheese or cooked bacon bits for topping
Prefer a lighter option? This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet brings the flavor without the heaviness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken pieces until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken It Up: Add parmesan cheese and stir until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat in sauce. Let simmer for 3–5 more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, and any additional toppings of your choice. Serve hot!
What to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet With
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Because more garlic = more love.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or peas for a fresh bite.
- Buttered Rice or Egg Noodles: To keep things simple and satisfying.
Top Tips for Perfecting Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Cut chicken evenly for even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t overcook the garlic: It should be fragrant, not bitter.
- Adjust spice level: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Make it cheesy: For extra indulgence, stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
- No cream? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk as a substitute.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe. - Is this the same as Indian butter chicken?
Nope. This version is more southern-American with garlic-butter flavor. - Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try plant-based butter and cream alternatives, but it will slightly change the flavor. - What skillet should I use?
A cast-iron skillet works best, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do. - Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine before serving. - How do I make it spicier?
Add red chili flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce. - Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes—just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Craving steakhouse flavor without leaving your kitchen? This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is your answer. Creamy, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes—it’s comfort food done right. Try it tonight and bring that Texas charm to your dinner table!
