Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – Creamy, Smoky, Restaurant-Style Comfort at Home

Craving the buttery richness of Texas Roadhouse-style flavor but in a creamy chicken skillet format? This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings together the smoky, bold essence of grilled meat with the luxurious creaminess of butter and spices—all made in one pan. It’s rustic, indulgent, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together when you want restaurant flavor without leaving the house.

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A Texas-Inspired Spin on Butter Chicken

Let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t the traditional Indian butter chicken. Instead, this version borrows the silky butter sauce concept and fuses it with the smoky, savory flavor profile that Texas Roadhouse fans love—think grilled or seared chicken, garlic, paprika, a touch of spice, and a buttery cream sauce that hugs every bite.

Cooked in a cast-iron skillet for that seared exterior and rich caramelization, this dish feels like it came straight out of a steakhouse kitchen. Serve it over mashed potatoes, Texas toast, rice, or even biscuits to soak up that saucy goodness.

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Ingredients Overview – Flavor-Packed and Steakhouse-Inspired

Here’s why each ingredient matters and how it brings that signature Texas Roadhouse flair:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1½ lbs)

Chicken is the star here. Breast meat stays lean and tender when cooked right, while thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor. Both work beautifully depending on your preference.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

A simple seasoning that brings out the flavor of the chicken and balances the richness of the sauce.

Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)

Smoky, earthy, and essential for that grilled-meat flavor that mimics Texas Roadhouse’s signature seasoning blend.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (½ tsp each)

Classic flavor boosters that layer depth and complexity into the seasoning.

Olive Oil or Butter (2 tbsp)

Used for searing the chicken. Butter adds richness while olive oil helps prevent burning.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and savory punch to the butter sauce.

Butter (6 tbsp, divided)

Butter is both the name and the star of the show here. It’s used for flavor, creaminess, and creating that luxurious mouthfeel.

Heavy Cream (1 cup)

Cream creates the silky, decadent sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the richness of heavy cream is hard to beat.

Chicken Broth (½ cup)

Balances the sauce with umami and thins it slightly without compromising richness.

Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, freshly grated)

Adds savory, cheesy depth to the butter sauce. Use fresh grated for the best melt and flavor.

Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Brightens the dish with a touch of color and freshness.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This skillet recipe is done in under 40 minutes and uses just one pan. Here’s how to nail it:

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while prepping the sauce ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

• Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Butter Sauce

• Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tbsp butter to the same skillet.

• Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).

• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the pan—this adds major flavor.

• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet

• Nestle the cooked chicken back into the sauce.

• Spoon sauce over each piece and simmer 2 more minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

• Serve hot over your favorite starch—mashed potatoes, pasta, or buttered noodles are ideal.

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Variations, Substitutions, and Pro Tips

This butter chicken skillet is incredibly flexible. Here are ways to adjust based on your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning blend.

• BBQ Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce to the skillet along with the cream for a smoky, tangy edge.

• Tex-Mex Style: Add chili powder and cumin, and finish with cilantro instead of parsley.

Substitutions

• Cream: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

• Chicken: Swap with pork chops or steak medallions for a meatier twist.

• Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Pull it as soon as it hits 165°F internally to keep it juicy.

• Use fresh garlic and cheese: These make a noticeable difference in taste.

• Deglaze well: Scrape all those brown bits from the pan when adding broth—they’re flavor gold.

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Best Ways to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This buttery chicken dish is a natural fit for comforting sides and big-flavor accompaniments.

Ideal Pairings:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and rich—perfect for sopping up sauce.

• Garlic bread or Texas toast: Great for dipping.

• Rice or buttered noodles: Neutral bases that let the sauce shine.

• Roasted veggies: Balance the richness with something green—try green beans, asparagus, or zucchini.

Occasions:

• Weeknight comfort: Quick enough for a Tuesday, delicious enough to feel like a Friday.

• Date night in: Paired with wine and candles, it rivals takeout.

• Holiday side: This makes a great addition to a buffet or potluck-style spread.

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Nutritional and Health Notes

This dish is indulgent, no doubt, but there are ways to keep it balanced:

• High in protein: Chicken provides lean, satisfying protein.

• Low-carb friendly: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies for a keto meal.

• Customizable richness: Cut down on butter or cream if you want to lighten it—half-and-half or whole milk will still work.

Want to bulk it up with fiber? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or kale directly to the sauce before returning the chicken.

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FAQ – Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

1. Is this like Indian butter chicken?

Not quite. This version is more steakhouse-style—creamy, buttery, and smoky without Indian spices. It’s closer to a skillet cream sauce than a curry.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice or shred it and warm it in the sauce. However, freshly seared chicken adds much more flavor through browning.

3. Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken, then refrigerate separately. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

4. Is there a non-dairy version?

Use olive oil instead of butter, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan or sub with nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken freezes well, but cream sauces can separate when thawed. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

6. What skillet is best?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal—it holds heat well and adds that signature sear. A stainless steel pan also works.

7. What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Try chives, thyme, or rosemary for a different aromatic touch.

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Tasty Recipes Card

Description:
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich, creamy one-pan meal featuring seared chicken, a garlic-butter cream sauce, and smoky steakhouse-inspired seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 tbsp butter, divided

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat. Add 4 tbsp butter and garlic to skillet; cook until fragrant.

4. Add broth, scraping pan to deglaze. Stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

5. Return chicken to pan. Spoon sauce over and simmer 2 minutes.

6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes:

• Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

• Add chili flakes or BBQ sauce for variation.

• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or garlic bread.

Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

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