If you’re craving a dish that brings together the warm, comforting vibes of classic homestyle cooking with a little Southern charm, then the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This recipe is all about juicy, tender chicken smothered in a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet sauce that has a beautiful depth of smoky paprika and garlic. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. Once you try this skillet recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating a luscious texture you’ll love from the first bite to the last.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to a golden brown crust, locking in moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky base for the sauce that makes this recipe so indulgent.
- 4 teaspoons honey (or hot honey): Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky and savory flavors whole beautifully, and hot honey if you want a subtle kick.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings that irresistible garlic warmth that feels like a hug on a plate.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth and vibrant color, essential to the Texas Roadhouse vibe.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every element’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness that keeps the dish lively.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps create the luscious pan sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): A squeeze of brightness to lift and balance the rich flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds visual appeal and a mild herbaceous note.
- Optional pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes: For those who like to add a little extra heat and excitement.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken to Perfection
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice sear and then coat both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning combo is the foundation, giving the chicken a fantastic smoky and savory flavor that perfectly complements the buttery sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want that beautiful golden-brown crust which locks in the juices. Once cooked through but not quite finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, the sauce will take it to the next level.
Step 3: Create the Irresistible Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add butter, honey, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the same skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and bubbly. This step is where the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe starts really coming together, with the sweet and savory sauce ready to embrace the chicken.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking in the buttery sauce, making it incredibly moist and allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. This final touch adds an inviting fragrance and a little visual zing to your Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic here, but if you want to mix it up, a few extra twists of freshly ground black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika can add an appealing finish that complements the skillet’s comforting flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
To soak up every bit of that sumptuous butter sauce, mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are my favorite companions. Crusty bread also works wonderfully if you prefer something to dip and savor. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad balance the richness, adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving company, consider plating the chicken over creamy polenta or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a rustic yet elegant feel. A drizzle of extra honey or a dash of hot sauce can be fun for an interactive, personalized dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight, making it even more flavorful the next day. Just be sure to store the chicken and sauce together to maintain that signature juiciness.
Freezing
This skillet dish also freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results. You’ll still get that comforting taste and texture without compromising quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly and prevent it from separating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture in and stop the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring even more juiciness and flavor to the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the seasoning step or use hot honey instead of regular honey to give the dish a pleasant, spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. The Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your chicken broth and any added condiments to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a lighter dish?
You can swap butter with olive oil or a light margarine. However, keep in mind that butter adds richness and depth to the sauce that really defines the dish, so the flavor will be a bit different but still tasty.
How long does the chicken need to simmer in the sauce?
Simmering the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes allows it to fully cook while soaking up the buttery, honeyed sauce. This step is key to achieving that tender, juicy finish that makes the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe so memorable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon—comforting, flavorful, and filled with personality. Whether it becomes your next weeknight staple or the highlight of your weekend dinner, this skillet recipe has all the warmth and charm that will make everyone ask for seconds.
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Texas Roadhouse-Style Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a flavorful Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken skillet recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, buttery honey sauce infused with smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of lemon. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a comforting dinner served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons honey (or hot honey for a little kick)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and the chicken is nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add unsalted butter, honey, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the same skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and starts to bubble gently.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the buttery sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot honey or add extra cayenne/red pepper flakes.
- Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry for better searing and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing; work in batches if needed.
- This dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes to complement the buttery sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
