If you’re craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and a touch of Southern charm, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and bathed in a luscious buttery sauce infused with garlic, honey, and warm paprika. This skillet meal is an absolute delight that brings the cozy flavors of a beloved restaurant right to your kitchen, offering an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role to bring harmony to the dish. The combination of butter and garlic forms a rich base, while the chicken broth and honey add depth and a subtle sweetness. Paprika and parsley introduce beautiful color and savory notes, rounding out this satisfying recipe.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose chicken breasts for lean protein or thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter creates that signature creamy sauce and helps achieve a perfect sear on the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds fragrant warmth that infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth provides the liquid base that helps build a flavorful sauce while keeping things moist.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Honey balances the savory with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This spice adds a gentle smoky depth and a gorgeous reddish hue.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, herbaceous finish and a splash of green color.
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: For a melty, indulgent topping that adds richness.
- Optional: caramelized onions: Sweet and tender onions add complexity and a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling your chicken breasts generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning will create a flavorful crust and add that classic subtle smoky flavor that defines the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown color and locking in the juices.
Step 3: Set the Chicken Aside
Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate. This keeps the chicken tender and ready to soak up the sauce in the next steps.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure not to burn it. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and add the honey. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor! Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly and becomes luscious.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Spoon Sauce
Place the chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the rich sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece so every bite is soaked with buttery goodness.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Melt
If you’re going all out, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese atop the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt smoothly, making the dish extra indulgent and inviting.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling dried parsley over the top, adding a fresh hint of color and flavor. Serve the skillet chicken hot for a meal that feels both comforting and special.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, extra cracked black pepper, or even some thinly sliced green onions adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. For a bit of indulgence, caramelized onions on top add a sweet, savory layer of flavor to the skillet experience.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes or creamy rice make an ideal base to soak up all the buttery sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad add balance and brighten the plate, while warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta. Alternatively, plate each piece on a colorful platter with a drizzle of the sauce and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it a fantastic next-day meal that reheats wonderfully.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and deliciousness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheating slowly ensures the chicken stays tender and the sauce maintains its silky texture without separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, offering a juicier, more flavorful alternative that stays tender even after reheating.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from paprika but is not spicy. If you prefer a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure any optional cheese is also gluten-free. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How should I store leftovers for best taste?
Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separating the chicken from the sauce is not necessary since they complement each other perfectly when reheated gently.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Adding quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the sauce just before finishing can make this skillet meal even more nutritious and colorful.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is a true showstopper that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Give this comforting dish a try soon—you may just find it becoming a beloved staple that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds every time.
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory butter, garlic, and honey sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a skillet-cooked feast.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Optional: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: caramelized onions
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and honey. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece to coat generously.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the optional shredded cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dried parsley over the skillet chicken, add caramelized onions if using, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet!
Notes
- For extra richness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Caramelized onions add a sweet depth of flavor and complement the savory sauce.
- Use a skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese evenly.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
