If you are craving a rich, savory delight that combines tender chicken and a luscious buttery sauce, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable flavor experience, where juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce infused with hints of smoked paprika and Italian herbs. It’s a comforting skillet meal that feels fancy but comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for any weeknight craving or special dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for capturing that signature buttery and savory flavor. Each item adds a unique layer of taste, texture, or aroma that elevates the dish from basic chicken to restaurant-quality comfort food.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise): Ensures quick, even cooking and tender, juicy chicken pieces.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The foundational seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of warm garlic flavor alongside fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The star of the dish for that rich, creamy finish.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic bursts with aroma and flavor in the skillet sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory layer to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty punch that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the richness with herbal notes.
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a refreshing burst of color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken Like a Pro
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder on both sides. This carefully crafted spice combination is the secret behind that bold, smoky flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay in your chicken breasts and let them sear on each side for 4 to 5 minutes, achieving a beautiful golden crust while locking in juicy flavors. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping all those tasty browned bits for the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter right in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—this step is crucial for infusing the sauce with an irresistible garlicky aroma.
Step 4: Whisk in Cream, Broth, and Cheese
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and develop that creamy, cheesy goodness that’s so key to the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Bring Chicken Back to the Party
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top and allow the chicken to simmer in the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so it can soak up all those rich flavors and stay beautifully moist.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Finally, stir in the last tablespoon of butter, which gives the sauce a glossy, velvety finish that melts in your mouth. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a lovely burst of green and a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish. For extra flair, you might also sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This rich butter chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad to cut through the decadence. Simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans make fresh, colorful sides that keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe right in the skillet for a wonderfully rustic presentation that keeps the dish warm and inviting. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop a bed of buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that heavenly sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This butter chicken skillet recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent any sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well. Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to bring back that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great and add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the flavor and texture will be different. The rich buttery taste is key to the traditional Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This way, you’ll save time on a busy day but still enjoy the fresh flavors.
What can I add to make the dish spicier?
If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Fresh chopped jalapeños also work well for a fresh and spicy kick.
What should I serve this with for a complete meal?
Pair this skillet chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a light vegetable side like roasted broccoli to round out the meal deliciously and satisfyingly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe that keeps me coming back for more—its rich, creamy sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and the simplicity of the ingredients all come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and experience the cozy, irresistible flavor that turns any dinner into a celebration. Happy cooking!
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the skillet hot for best taste.
Notes
- Halving the chicken breasts lengthwise helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Leftover chicken with sauce can be refrigerated and tastes great reheated.
- Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
