Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a Must-Try at Home

There’s a reason the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet has become a favorite among comfort food lovers—this dish is everything we love about hearty Southern cooking wrapped in one golden, garlicky, buttery skillet.

Imagine perfectly seared chicken smothered in a velvety garlic butter sauce, enriched with herbs and finished with a touch of smoky spice. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being overcomplicated—a restaurant-worthy skillet dinner you can whip up at home in 30 minutes or less.

Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that hits all the comfort notes or you’re hosting guests and want something guaranteed to impress, this butter chicken skillet delivers. It’s fast, flexible, and bursting with flavor—no need for reservations or a long waitlist.

So, grab your skillet and get ready to recreate a Texas Roadhouse-style masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

What Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?

First things first: this isn’t Indian butter chicken. While the name might cause a double take, the Texas Roadhouse version is something entirely its own—and absolutely worth exploring.

This dish is pure Southern skillet magic. Think juicy, seared chicken nestled in a garlic herb butter sauce that’s creamy, rich, and deeply savory. It’s typically served sizzling hot—often over mashed potatoes or alongside warm, fluffy rolls to soak up every last drop of that decadent sauce.

The flavor profile leans into classic steakhouse territory: buttery, a touch smoky from paprika or blackened seasoning, balanced by garlic and softened herbs like parsley or thyme. There’s no heavy spice, but you can add heat if you like.

Where does this dish fit into the Texas Roadhouse experience? Right in the heart of its rustic, down-home charm. It’s bold, satisfying, and built to feed hungry folks with big appetites and love for big flavor.

Ingredient Breakdown & Why They Matter

Making a butter chicken skillet that rivals your favorite restaurant version comes down to selecting the right ingredients and understanding how they work together. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts

Both cuts work well here.

• Thighs are juicier and more forgiving—they soak up flavor and stay moist.

• Breasts are leaner and cook faster, great if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Whichever you choose, make sure the pieces are trimmed and evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Garlic Butter Base

This is where the magic happens. Melted butter gets infused with fresh minced garlic, herbs, and seasoning to create a savory base that clings beautifully to the chicken. Use real butter and fresh garlic—no shortcuts here!

Spices

The star of the seasoning lineup is usually smoked paprika, which adds color and a subtle smokiness. A pinch of black pepper adds bite, and cayenne (optional) brings gentle heat. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.

Cream or Cream Cheese

This is what transforms your butter sauce from tasty to luscious.

• Heavy cream creates a silky, pourable sauce.

• Cream cheese adds body and tang, with a slightly thicker texture.

Some cooks use a bit of both—feel free to experiment.

Herbs

Chopped parsley or thyme finishes the dish with freshness and balance. You can stir them in or sprinkle on top.

Optional Add-ins

To build more complexity, consider tossing in:

• Sautéed mushrooms for umami

• Caramelized onions for sweetness

• Crumbled bacon bits for smoky crunch

Pro Tip: Stick with fresh ingredients for the butter, garlic, and herbs. It makes a noticeable difference in both taste and aroma.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

A simple setup is all you need to nail this skillet dinner. Here’s what helps:

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan – retains heat and builds flavor through searing

• Tongs or spatula – for flipping and handling the chicken

• Measuring spoons & cutting board – precision + prep

• Sharp knife – to trim and slice chicken or add-ins

• Whisk or wooden spoon – ideal for emulsifying the butter sauce

• Meat thermometer (optional) – ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temp (165°F/74°C)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bring it all together? Here’s how to cook your Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken skillet like a pro:

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of garlic powder. Let sit at room temp for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil or a pat of butter. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.

3. Build the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then add 2–3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Stir in smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne (if using), and fresh or dried herbs.

4. Add Cream

Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream (or a mix of cream + softened cream cheese). Whisk until smooth and bubbling gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Return Chicken to Skillet

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer on low for another 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in sauce.

6. Garnish & Serve

Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the pan for a few minutes to soak up the flavor. Finish with chopped parsley and (if you’re feeling fancy) an extra drizzle of melted butter.

Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even a thick slice of toast.

Pro Tip: Resting the chicken in the warm sauce before serving locks in flavor and moisture.

Flavor Twists & Recipe Variations to Try

Want to tweak this dish to match your mood or pantry? Here are a few simple but powerful variations:

• Spinach & Mushrooms: Sauté before adding cream for extra texture and nutrients

• Lemon Lift: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten the buttery richness

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free butter

• Pork Variation: Try boneless pork chops for a different protein spin

• Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes, hot sauce, or blackened seasoning for heat

• Skillet Pasta: Toss in cooked pasta at the end to make it a full, creamy skillet meal

Pro Cooking Tips for the Best Butter Chicken Skillet

Getting that perfect restaurant-quality skillet meal at home is all about the little things. Here’s how to make your butter chicken shine:

• Don’t crowd the skillet—space helps the chicken brown properly instead of steaming.

• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better searing.

• Whisk the butter slowly with the cream or cream cheese to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.

• Taste at the end—butter and cheese can be salty, so adjust seasoning after the sauce simmers.

• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the richness of the dish.

• If using cream cheese, let it soften to room temp so it melts smoothly without clumps.

Bonus tip: Always let the finished chicken rest in the warm sauce a few minutes off the heat—it makes the texture more tender and flavorful.

Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Suggestions

This butter chicken skillet is just as comforting the next day—but treat it gently when reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, water, or cream to rehydrate the sauce.

• Microwave reheating works too, but heat in short bursts and stir often to avoid sauce separation.

• Avoid boiling the sauce—it may curdle or break.

• For meal prep, you can:

  • Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate.

  • Cook and refrigerate or freeze the chicken separately.

  • Reheat and combine when ready to eat.

Freezing tip: Creamy sauces don’t freeze well, but the chicken itself freezes beautifully—just thaw and reheat gently with fresh sauce.

Serving Ideas: How to Plate Like a Pro

This dish looks (and tastes) amazing straight from the skillet. Here are serving ideas that make it complete:

• Serve family-style right in your cast iron skillet for rustic charm.

• Spoon over:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Garlic butter rice

  • Wide egg noodles or pappardelle

• Add something to soak up that buttery sauce:

  • Texas toast

  • Buttermilk biscuits

  • Warm dinner rolls

• For color and contrast, serve with:

  • Roasted asparagus

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Charred corn on the cob

• Garnish with:

  • Chopped chives or parsley

  • Shredded cheddar or Parmesan

  • Crispy bacon bits for texture

Hosting tip: Add this to a Southern-style dinner spread with cornbread, coleslaw, and sweet tea.

Nutrition Info & Health Notes

This dish is rich and indulgent, but you can adapt it to fit a range of dietary needs:

• Estimated calories per serving: ~450–550 (based on chicken thighs and cream)

• Macronutrients:

  • High in protein

  • Moderate to high in fat

  • Low in carbohydrates

Want to lighten it up?

• Use skinless chicken breasts

• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream

• Replace butter with a small amount of olive oil + garlic

• Serve with cauliflower mash or zoodles to keep it low-carb

Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut) and vegan butter—still delicious!

Keto-friendly? Yes, with the right sides and no flour in the sauce, this dish fits a low-carb diet beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken skillet:

Q: Is Texas Roadhouse butter chicken the same as Indian butter chicken?
A: Nope! This is an American-style skillet dish. It’s butter- and cream-based, with garlic and herbs. Indian butter chicken has a tomato-based curry sauce with spices like garam masala.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster—just don’t overcook or they may dry out. Sear quickly, then finish in the sauce.

Q: What makes the sauce so creamy?
A: A combo of butter and heavy cream (or cream cheese). The butter builds richness, and the cream gives it a velvety finish.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can:

• Make the sauce in advance

• Store cooked chicken separately

• Reheat slowly and combine when serving

Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A: A cast iron skillet is ideal—it holds heat and builds flavor. A heavy non-stick or stainless steel pan works too.

Q: Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?
A: You can! After searing the chicken, pour sauce over and finish in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and cooked through.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Not unless you want it to be! The base is mild. Add cayenne, hot sauce, or chili flakes if you like heat.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Food with a Skillet Twist (150 words)

This Texas Roadhouse-inspired butter chicken skillet is the kind of dinner that satisfies every craving. It’s rich, buttery, deeply savory—and surprisingly easy to make at home with everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing dinner guests, or just want a cozy meal after a long day, this recipe delivers. It’s flexible, indulgent, and totally customizable with add-ins and swaps to fit your mood or pantry.

Serve it with something to soak up the sauce, pour yourself a cold drink, and enjoy the comfort of a steakhouse-style meal from the heart of your own kitchen.

ried it? Let me know what you paired it with or how you tweaked the recipe—I love hearing your delicious ideas!