This savory, buttery skillet dish brings Texas Roadhouse-style flavor straight to your table. Featuring golden-seared chicken in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of sweetness, it’s both comforting and effortless—perfect for any busy evening or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery sauce with sweet and savory balance
- Fast and easy—ideal for weeknight dinners
- Versatile—add cheese, onions, or veggies to suit your taste
- Crowd-pleaser with comforting, hearty flavors
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – Easy Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and flavorful skillet chicken dish inspired by Texas Roadhouse, featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce with herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon butter sauce over the top. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (and Parmesan if desired) before serving.
Notes
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered vegetables.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in buttermilk or seasoned brine before cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – tender and perfect for pan-searing.
Unsalted butter – creates the signature rich base of the sauce.
Olive oil – helps with browning the chicken evenly.
Garlic powder (or minced garlic) – adds fragrant depth.
Onion powder – enriches the seasoning profile.
Smoked paprika – brings subtle smoky warmth.
Salt and black pepper – essential for seasoning.
Chicken broth – forms the savory liquid foundation of the sauce.
Honey – balances with a touch of sweetness.
Heavy cream – makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
Grated Parmesan cheese – enriches the sauce with savory complexity.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – adds a pop of freshness and color.
Directions
- Heat olive oil with half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes), then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add broth and honey, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until sauce thickens and becomes silky.
- Return chicken to the sauce and simmer briefly to warm through and meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 4 portions
- Prep Time: Approximately 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Around 15 minutes
- Total Time: Roughly 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture—avoid microwaving for best results.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes—thighs work wonderfully and are juicier if you prefer.
Can I skip the cream for a lighter option?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner—substituting with extra chicken broth or a bit of milk can still yield a tasty result.
What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or toasted bread are excellent for soaking up the rich sauce.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
Absolutely—seasoned chicken can be prepped and sauce components measured out in advance to streamline cooking.
Is the dish spicy?
No—this recipe is mild. Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a gentle heat boost.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just ensure your chicken broth and any added ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
How can I add vegetables?
You can stir in wilted spinach, roasted mushrooms, or caramelized onions for color, nutrition, and depth.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes—just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a home-cooked delight that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy, buttery sauce, balanced with garlic, paprika, and honey, transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying, soul-warming meal. Versatile, quick, and flexible—this skillet dinner is sure to become a household favorite.
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