Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – One-Pan Chicken Recipe with Buttery Sauce

Introduction to Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a weeknight hero—quick, flavorful, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without demanding hours in the kitchen. With juicy seared chicken bathed in a rich buttery glaze, it’s a skillet-style meal that satisfies every craving.

What makes it irresistible is the balance of flavors: smoky paprika adds depth, garlic brings warmth, and a touch of honey rounds it all out with subtle sweetness. The buttery sauce clings to every bite, creating a savory, slightly sweet, garlicky experience that’s both bold and soothing.

This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and homemade. It’s easy to prepare, easy to love, and guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation. Serve it straight from the skillet for that rustic, restaurant-style charm—and watch it disappear fast.

What Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken?

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken is inspired by the restaurant’s signature skillet meals—hearty, flavorful, and served sizzling hot. It’s a Southern-style take on comfort food, featuring seared chicken coated in a buttery glaze that’s rich, smoky, and slightly sweet.

Unlike Indian butter chicken, this version skips the tomato base, cream, and complex spices. Instead, it leans into classic American flavors: garlic powder, smoked paprika, and honey. The result is a dish that’s bold yet familiar, with a sauce that’s more glaze than curry.

This skillet-style chicken is all about simplicity and satisfaction. It’s cooked in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Whether you’re channeling restaurant vibes or just craving something cozy, Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken delivers pure comfort with every bite.

What Makes This Skillet So Irresistible

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get a meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels gourmet but fits into your busiest weeknight.

The chicken is seared to golden perfection, locking in juices and creating a caramelized crust that’s full of flavor. Then comes the buttery glaze—rich, velvety, and infused with garlic, paprika, and honey. It coats the chicken like a warm hug, turning every bite into a savory-sweet delight.

Using a cast iron skillet is a game-changer. It retains heat beautifully, gives the chicken a restaurant-quality sear, and adds a rustic touch to your presentation. Plus, it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to table.

Pro tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and moist. Serve with your favorite sides and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a meal that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.

Choosing the Right Chicken & Prep Tips

For this skillet recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Breasts offer lean protein and a firm texture, while thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Either cut will shine when seared properly and glazed with buttery goodness.

Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—it helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better sear. Moisture on the surface can cause steaming instead of browning, so don’t skip it.

The seasoning blend is simple but effective: garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that mimics grill flavor, while garlic powder brings warmth and depth.

Expert tip: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, slice the chicken before serving and drizzle with extra sauce. It’s a great way to stretch the dish and make it more shareable.

Building the Butter Sauce

The butter sauce is the soul of this dish—rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. It’s simple to make but delivers restaurant-quality results.

Start with unsalted butter. This gives you control over the salt level and lets the other flavors shine. Melt it gently in the skillet after the chicken is cooked and removed.

Next, add honey. Just a tablespoon or two is enough to balance the savory notes with a touch of sweetness. It rounds out the flavor and adds a glossy finish to the sauce.

Garlic powder and smoked paprika are your key seasonings. Garlic adds depth and warmth, while smoked paprika brings a subtle heat and smoky aroma. Stir them into the melted butter until fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth. This step lifts all the flavorful bits stuck to the skillet and ties the sauce together. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly thickened.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color. It’s a small touch that brightens the dish and adds visual appeal.

Smart tip: Always add the butter sauce after the chicken is cooked. Butter can burn quickly, especially in a hot skillet. By glazing the chicken at the end, you preserve the sauce’s silky texture and rich flavor.

Drizzle the sauce generously over the chicken, spoon some onto your sides, and serve immediately. It’s a buttery, garlicky, smoky masterpiece that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.