Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a delicious meal that combines tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs. This dish is full of comforting flavors and has that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite feel special. It’s like getting a warm hug from your dinner plate!
I love making this skillet dish when I want something simple but impressive for family dinner night. The best part is how easily everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. I usually add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top because it adds a little brightness that balances the richness of the butter and chicken perfectly.
Serving this with a side of mashed potatoes or warm bread to soak up all the buttery goodness is my go-to. Everyone around the table always asks for seconds, and sometimes I catch myself sneaking a taste straight from the skillet before it even makes it to the table. It’s a cozy, tasty dish that brings smiles and full bellies every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you like leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine but watch cooking time to avoid dryness.
Butter: Butter is key for that rich, creamy flavor. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. For a lighter option, you can mix butter with olive oil.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder create a warm, smoky blend. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works too but with less smoky depth.
Heavy Cream & Lemon Juice: Heavy cream adds creaminess, but for a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Lemon juice brightens the sauce, balancing the richness—fresh lemon always tastes best.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs bring a nice pop of color and fresh flavor. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or chives can be good alternatives.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Creamy?
Two things matter most: cooking the chicken just right and building the sauce carefully.
- For tender chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sear them on medium-high heat without crowding the pan, so they brown without steaming.
- For creamy sauce: After cooking garlic briefly, add chicken broth and scrape the pan to lift any browned bits — this adds flavor. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, then simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Combine the chicken back into the sauce and coat thoroughly, warming through without overcooking the chicken.
These simple steps help the skillet come together with juicy chicken and a smooth, flavorful sauce every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for browning chicken evenly and simmering the sauce without sticking.
- Mixing bowl – great for tossing the chicken with spices and coating it evenly.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spice amounts just right for that authentic flavor.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – ideal for stirring the sauce and scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces safely and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a quick seafood twist that cooks in minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and a bit more texture.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or kale right at the end for a pop of green and extra nutrients.
- Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese sprinkled on top for a mild, melty cheesy finish.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Seasoning:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 15 minutes to cook. So, you can have a yummy homemade Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken skillet ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this seasoning mix until each piece is fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown on all sides and are fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth, and use a spoon to scrape any tasty browned bits off the pan’s bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, then let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just a bit.
4. Combine & Finish:
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to cover every piece in the buttery sauce. Add the chopped parsley for a fresh, herby flavor. Let everything warm through for another minute.
5. Serve:
Serve your delicious butter chicken over warm cooked white rice. Sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pretty, fresh touch. Enjoy your hearty and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the sealed chicken in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Definitely. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve with This Skillet?
Serve the butter chicken over white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or crusty bread for dipping!
