I still remember the first time I tried Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at my cousin’s backyard BBQ – that rich, creamy sauce with just the right kick had me going back for thirds! Now I make my own version at home whenever we’re craving something restaurant-worthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? This flavor-packed skillet comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
What makes this butter chicken recipe special is that perfect balance of smoky spices and velvety creaminess – it’s like Texas Roadhouse met your grandma’s cast iron skillet for the coziest weeknight dinner ever. The chicken stays juicy while soaking up all those incredible flavors, and that golden sauce? Let’s just say you’ll want to lick the spoon (I won’t judge). Trust me, once you try this simple stovetop wonder, it’ll become your new go-to when you need a meal that feels indulgent without being fussy.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Okay, let’s gather the good stuff – these ingredients are simple but pack a serious flavor punch! Don’t skip the honey – it’s my secret weapon for balancing the spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons butter (the real stuff, please!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this gives that signature depth)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for that pretty green finish)
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This skillet comes together fast once you start, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready. I promise it’s worth every delicious minute – that smell alone will have your family hovering around the stove!
Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics
First, grab your favorite heavy skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. The oil keeps the butter from burning – smart trick, right? Toss in those diced onions and let them get all soft and sweet, about 3 minutes. When they start looking translucent, add the garlic and breathe in that amazing aroma for about 30 seconds – don’t let it brown!
Now, add your cubed chicken and let it get some color. This isn’t just for looks – browning equals flavor! Give it 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the chicken’s looking golden, sprinkle in all those spices – smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir like crazy for 30 seconds to wake up all those spices. Your kitchen should smell incredible by now!
Simmering the Sauce
Here comes the magic – pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, honey and lemon juice all at once. The sauce will bubble up and look a little separated at first – totally normal! Give it a good stir and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the chicken is cooked through (165°F if you’re checking). The honey caramelizes slightly and the lemon brightens everything up perfectly. Pro tip: If the sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little more broth. Too thin? Give it another minute or two – patience pays off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet will become your new weeknight hero! Here’s why:
- Lightning fast – Ready in 30 minutes flat (perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments)
- Creamy dreamy sauce – That velvety texture will have you licking the skillet clean
- Your spice, your rules – Dial up the heat or keep it mellow – it’s delicious either way
Seriously – one bite and you’ll swear you’re at the restaurant (but way more comfortable in your sweatpants!).
Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Here’s my hard-won wisdom for skillet success! First, don’t crowd the chicken – give those cubes space to brown properly (I learned this the hard way). For safety nerds like me, a meat thermometer should read 165°F at the thickest piece. Spice lovers? Double the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne. And please – use a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my go-to) to prevent scorching that gorgeous sauce. One last thing: taste and adjust the salt after simmering – sauces concentrate as they cook!
We love this buttery chicken piled over steaming jasmine rice to soak up all that gorgeous sauce. For something heartier, crusty bread is perfect for scooping (garlic bread takes it next level). Feeling virtuous? A simple green salad cuts through the richness beautifully. Whatever you choose, serve it hot – this is pure comfort food meant to be enjoyed immediately!
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! This skillet chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just pop it in an airtight container. When reheating, I always use the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to bring back that luscious sauce texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but tends to make the cream separate (still tasty though!). Trust me, it might taste even better the next day after all those flavors have time to mingle!
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Variations
Oh, we love playing with this recipe! Swap chicken breasts for thighs when you want extra juicy meat – just cook a few minutes longer. Dairy-free? Coconut milk works beautifully instead of cream (the canned full-fat kind gives that same richness). If you’re out of honey, brown sugar makes a fine substitute – start with 2 teaspoons. For veggies lovers, toss in some chopped bell peppers when sautéing the onions. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Can I use yogurt instead of cream? Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great lighter alternative – just whisk in 1/2 cup at the end instead of simmering to prevent curdling. It’ll give you that same tangy creaminess with fewer calories. Want more heat? Easy! Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne with the spices or toss in some diced jalapeños with the onions. Can you freeze it? Honestly, the sauce texture changes after freezing, but the flavor’s still good! Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently with extra broth to bring it back to life.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates (your exact amounts may vary based on ingredients). Per serving: 320 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated), and 26g protein. The good news? All that protein keeps you full, and the spices actually boost metabolism! Now go enjoy your creation – and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it as much as we do!
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30-Minute Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious skillet dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with bold flavors inspired by Texas Roadhouse.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
