If comfort food had a passport, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet would be stamped front and center. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, a velvety, buttery sauce with just a touch of sweetness, and the smoky warmth of paprika for a skillet meal that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both special enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight—because who doesn’t love a meal that’s deliciously simple and crowd-pleasing at the same time?

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at home is delightfully straightforward, but each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the rich, craveable flavors we love. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each one matters in this skillet sensation.

Chicken breasts: The main protein—boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and constant tenderness.
Olive oil: For beautifully golden searing and mild, fruity notes that tie the sauce together.
Unsalted butter: The base of the luscious sauce, unsalted allows you to control the flavor perfectly.
Honey: Just the right amount of sweetness to play off the smoky and savory notes.
Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlicky depth and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Smokiness and a pop of color—this is what gives the dish its character.
Salt: Critical for brightening and enhancing every other flavor in the skillet.
Black pepper: Balances everything out with just a gentle bite of spice.
Chicken broth: Loosens and lifts the fond from the pan for extra savory goodness in the sauce.
Chopped parsley: For freshness, color, and the finishing touch your skillet needs.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Mix Together the Butter Sauce

Start by combining your unsalted butter (softened a bit), sweet honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir together until you have a smooth, fragrant, and colorful mixture. This magic combo is what turns plain chicken into the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet everyone raves about.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it shimmer so it’s ready for searing. Lay in your chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for that mouthwatering golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F—perfectly juicy and safe to eat. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Deglaze and Create the Sauce

With your pan still hot, pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom—they’re flavor gold! Stir in the buttery mixture and let it melt, swirling everything around until the sauce is perfectly combined and silky smooth. This step fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet sauce to life.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, letting them nestle into that beautiful sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece, and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the buttery, smoky, and sweet goodness that makes this recipe irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, take the pan off the heat and shower the chicken with chopped parsley. That burst of green instantly ups the freshness factor and makes your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet worthy of a restaurant table—or at least an enthusiastic applause at your dinner table.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add a light dusting of extra smoked paprika for a bit more drama and smoky appeal. If you want to get fancy, a few thin lemon slices on the side can add color and a gentle tang.

Side Dishes

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables. Even a crisp garden salad is a perfect pairing if you’re craving something on the lighter side. Make sure to spoon plenty of that sauce over your sides—it’s too good to leave behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving your skillet tableside for that fresh-from-the-pan wow factor. Or, slice the chicken and arrange it family-style over a big platter of mashed potatoes, letting the sauce cascade over everything. Try building Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet sandwiches using toasted buns and a touch of sauce drizzled over each bite for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you), store your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The buttery sauce helps keep the chicken juicy for up to three days, so your next meal will taste just as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then portion everything into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the most consistent texture when you’re ready to indulge again.

Reheating

Warm up your leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This gentle reheating helps the butter sauce stay luscious and the chicken stay tender—microwaves are fine in a pinch, just go low and slow to avoid drying out your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet because they stay super juicy and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cook time and check for doneness since thighs might take a few extra minutes.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes, if you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a generous sprinkle of chili flakes when mixing up your butter sauce. The subtle spice plays beautifully with the honey and smokiness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative. Look for a vegan butter that’s meant for melting and sautéing; the results will still be rich and flavorful.

What other herbs work for garnish?

Fresh cilantro gives a slightly different but deliciously bold finish. Chives are great for mild onion notes and extra color, and even a sprinkle of thyme can introduce a new aromatic layer.

How can I keep the chicken extra juicy?

The key is not to overcook the chicken—use a thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F. Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after searing (and before simmering in the sauce) keeps all those flavorful juices locked in for your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dinner that brings comfort, excitement, and just a touch of Southern flair to your table, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is your new go-to. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—one simple skillet, everyday ingredients, and a major payoff in both taste and happy faces. Can’t wait for you to dig in and make this favorite your own!

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken breasts in a luscious buttery sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in the butter mixture and cook until smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: American