Laura Mariano
What Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a one-pan comfort dish that channels the bold, smoky-sweet flavors of the beloved steakhouse. It features golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. This skillet meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, offering a satisfying blend of savory and sweet with minimal cleanup. The sauce clings to the chicken, creating a glossy, crave-worthy finish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. With its simple technique and familiar flavors, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen—no reservations required.
Ingredient Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon juice for brightness
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for herbaceous depth
Flavor Tip: Use local honey for nuanced sweetness and fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s aroma and complexity. Smoked paprika adds a subtle charred flavor reminiscent of Texas Roadhouse’s signature meats, while garlic and butter create a velvety base. Chicken broth helps deglaze the pan and enrich the sauce. These ingredients work in harmony to deliver a skillet meal that’s both rustic and refined.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika until smooth.
4. Deglaze Skillet: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.
5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return chicken to skillet. Spoon butter mixture over each piece. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is glossy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken. Optional: add a touch of lemon zest or juice for brightness. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Note: Repeat ingredients only when needed for clarity. Adjust seasoning to taste and add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The sauce should coat the chicken without being overly thick—add a splash more broth if needed.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Use a cast iron skillet for superior caramelization and heat retention.
- Avoid overcrowding—cook chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to preserve juices.
- Deglazing with broth lifts flavorful bits and prevents burning.
- For extra depth, sauté fresh garlic instead of using powder.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmer for aromatic complexity.
These techniques help transform a simple skillet meal into a restaurant-worthy dish with layered flavor and perfect texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. The butter sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated separately. For best texture, freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately—this prevents the sauce from becoming grainy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish is ideal for meal prep and retains its flavor beautifully.
Nutritional Snapshot
Each serving contains approximately 350–400 calories, depending on portion size and optional add-ins. It’s high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for gluten-free, keto, or paleo diets. The butter and olive oil provide healthy fats, while the chicken delivers lean protein. To reduce calories, use less butter or opt for skinless chicken thighs. Pair with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a balanced, low-carb meal.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – Creamy, Bold & Southern-Style Comfort
Equipment
- Cast iron or heavy nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Main:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Lemon juice or zest (for brightness)
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage (for herbaceous depth)
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear Chicken:
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make Butter Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika.
Deglaze Skillet:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce:
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle parsley and optional lemon zest. Serve hot with sides and drizzle extra sauce for full flavor.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for best caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Freeze cooked chicken separately from sauce for best texture.
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream.
- Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results—adjust cook time accordingly.
