Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a delicious mix of tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs. It’s all about that…
Tip: save now, cook later.Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a delicious mix of tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs. It’s all about that creamy, flavorful butter sauce coating the juicy chicken, making every bite super satisfying and comforting. This dish brings a little bit of that Texas Roadhouse magic right to your kitchen!
I love making this Butter Chicken Skillet when I want something quick but still full of flavor. The best part is how simple it is to cook—just a skillet and a handful of ingredients, and you have a meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. I usually add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a touch of brightness.
My favorite way to enjoy this skillet is with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that buttery goodness. It’s also great served over steamed rice or alongside some roasted veggies. Everyone I’ve shared this with always asks for the recipe because it’s just that good and comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for a tender and juicy result. If you want a bit more flavor, try using chicken thighs instead—they stay moist and add extra richness.
Butter: Unsalted butter creates the rich and creamy base of the sauce. If you’re watching fat intake, try a mix of butter and olive oil to keep that buttery taste with less richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bright aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, but fresh is best here.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce silky and thick. For a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut milk can work, though the sauce will be less creamy.
Herbs & spices: Paprika, oregano, thyme, and a touch of cayenne add depth and a little heat. Feel free to adjust cayenne to your spice preference, or leave it out for milder tastes.
Worcestershire sauce: It brings a subtle umami flavor. If unavailable, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit of vinegar works well.
How Do You Get the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Perfectly Creamy?
Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil to get a nice golden crust—this locks in juices and adds flavor. Don’t rush this step; a good sear makes a big difference.
After removing the chicken, sauté garlic in melted butter gently. Avoid burning garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the broth and scrape the pan’s bottom to mix all those tasty browned bits into the sauce—this adds richness.
Stir in cream and seasonings, then return the chicken to simmer gently. Covering and cooking slowly ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out and the sauce thickens nicely.
Keep heat low once the cream is added to prevent curdling—slow and steady is the key for creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast-iron skillet – perfect for even heat and great browning of the chicken.
- Spatula or tongs – helps flip the chicken easily without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure broth, cream, and spices accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
- Wooden spoon – ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching the skillet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese near the end for a cheesy buttery sauce.
- For a bit of heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes along with cayenne.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook. So overall, you’ll have a wonderful meal ready in around 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the next step.
2. Make the Butter Garlic Sauce:
Turn the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until you smell the wonderful garlic aroma, but don’t let it brown. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift all those tasty brown bits. Now, stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if you want a bit of heat). Mix everything well.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Put the chicken breasts back in the skillet, spoon some sauce on top, then cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and the sauce has thickened a bit. Taste the sauce and add extra salt or pepper if you need to. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serve Your Skillet!
Serve your tasty butter chicken right out of the skillet with a side of cooked white rice. The rice will soak up all that creamy, buttery sauce for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the sauce from overcooking while the chicken thaws.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce as directed, then cool completely and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
