Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet! This dish delivers everything you crave in comforting, crowd-pleasing chicken: tender, juicy breasts seared to perfection, swirled in a velvety-smooth buttery sauce with a touch of honey and smoked paprika. Each bite is rich, savory, and just slightly sweet, making it a skillet supper you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Plus, it all comes together in a single pan, meaning maximum flavor for minimum fuss. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that famous roadhouse flair at home, this cozy, flavor-packed chicken is here to answer your prayers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is how simple—and affordable—the ingredient list is. Each component has a purpose, building layers of flavor and color from pantry staples, and together they create pure dinner magic.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these provide a juicy canvas for the buttery glaze.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken for a beautiful golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Makes the sauce luxurious, creamy, and just indulgent enough.
• Honey: Offers a touch of sweetness that balances the savory, smoky notes.
• Garlic powder: Infuses mellow, savory depth with zero chopping required.
• Smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness that gives this skillet character and color.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and sharp finish.
• Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all that golden goodness and rounding out the sauce.
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Lends a burst of color and a hint of fresh, herby brightness to finish.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Sauce

Start by mixing up your flavor-packed butter base. In a small mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is smoothly blended. This little bowl of joy will become your silky, savory-sweet sauce that takes the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet to superstar status.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, letting each piece get beautifully golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). When they’re just right, set the chicken aside. The magic is just getting started!

Step 3: Deglaze and Make the Sauce

With the chicken out of the skillet, pour in the chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—they’re liquid gold for your sauce! Now, stir in the butter mixture you made earlier. Let everything melt and meld together for a few minutes until you have a glossy, irresistible sauce.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet

Bring back the chicken breasts, nestling them into the bubbling sauce. Spoon the buttery mixture over the tops, letting it soak into the chicken. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors mingle and the chicken tastes even more sumptuous. That signature Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet aroma will be wafting through your kitchen.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece by sprinkling the skillet with fresh chopped parsley. It’s a quick touch that gives your dish color and a bright herbal note. Now all that’s left is to call everyone to the table—you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

The final flourish on the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet really matters. A scatter of freshly chopped parsley doesn’t just make it look restaurant-worthy; it adds a pop of freshness that lifts the buttery sauce. If you’re feeling extra, a squeeze of lemon juice or even a dusting of smoked paprika over the top is a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

Think of this skillet as begging for something to soak up all that velvety sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or a warm, soft bread roll are all fantastic. Add steamed green beans or a simple salad for contrast and brightness, rounding out your meal just like they do at a classic roadhouse.

Creative Ways to Present

While it’s gorgeous straight from the skillet, you can also slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of garlicky mashed potatoes for a family-style platter. Or go rustic and serve it directly in the skillet, letting everyone dig in for a cozy, communal vibe. For a fun twist, tuck slices of this chicken into soft buns for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you’re in luck—leftovers keep well! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer everything to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a fast weeknight repeat.

Freezing

This recipe actually freezes beautifully. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays silky and the chicken remains tender.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything juicy and flavorful—just be careful not to overheat and dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and a bit more forgiving, so they work beautifully in this dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?

The key is not to overcook the chicken. Sear each side until golden, then simmer briefly in the sauce for that final flavor boost. Resting the chicken before serving helps lock in all those delicious juices, too.

Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?

If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, though you’ll miss a bit of the smoky depth. For a different flavor twist, try a pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke—just use them sparingly!

How can I make the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet dairy-free?

Try swapping the butter for a quality plant-based butter alternative. The richness will still shine, and you’ll get that buttery gloss without dairy. Keep in mind, this will slightly change the flavor profile, but the dish will still be absolutely delicious.

Does this recipe scale well for a crowd?

Yes! You can easily double the recipe, just make sure not to overcrowd your skillet when searing the chicken—do it in batches if needed. The sauce can be made in larger quantities and poured over all the chicken before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: it’s homey yet impressive, weeknight-easy but special enough for guests. If you’re craving a meal that feels like a big warm hug, this is it! I can’t wait for you to gather your favorite people and treat them to this skillet supper they’ll remember (and request!) again and again.

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