The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a sensational dish that combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery sauce bursting with smoky paprika and a hint of honey. This recipe delivers that comforting, homey feeling you crave, all while being incredibly straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this skillet meal will quickly become a favorite on your weeknight dinner rotation. Let me take you through every step of creating this flavorful masterpiece that truly brings the warmth and zest of Texas right to your table.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet calls for a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in layering flavor and ensuring beautiful texture. From the richness of unsalted butter to the smoky warmth of paprika, here’s what you’ll want at hand before cooking.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites when cooked just right.
Olive oil: Perfect for a lightly crisped exterior on your chicken.
Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy, indulgent base to the sauce without overpowering the spices.
Honey: Balances the savoriness with a gentle touch of sweetness.
Garlic powder: Infuses a soothing aroma and flavor depth throughout the dish.
Smoked paprika: Brings that signature smoky note essential to the Texas Roadhouse taste.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds moisture for a luscious sauce.
Chopped parsley: A fresh garnish to brighten the dish both visually and in flavor.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Sauce Mixture

Begin by combining unsalted butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy blend. This mixture will become the heart of your skillet sauce, giving the chicken that irresistible Texas Roadhouse flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breasts

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden crust and the internal temperature hits 165°F. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked—juicy inside with a deliciously crisp outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the next stage.

Step 3: Deglaze and Make the Sauce

With the skillet still warm, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. This step loosens all those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom, which really intensifies the sauce. Next, stir in your prepared butter mixture, cooking gently until the sauce is silky and smooth, ready to coat your chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the buttery sauce. Let everything simmer together over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This simmer allows the chicken to absorb all that rich sauce flavor, creating a harmonious, mouthwatering bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the skillet with fresh, chopped parsley. This final touch not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, but you can also add a light squeeze of lemon juice or some finely diced green onions for an extra layer of brightness and freshness. These little accents keep the dish feeling lively despite the rich butter sauce.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery steamed rice, both excellent for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter touch, consider serving alongside a crisp, tossed salad or roasted green vegetables that bring a burst of color and texture to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic feel, serve the chicken directly from the skillet at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves to the saucy goodness. Alternatively, plate each breast over a nest of buttery noodles or grilled polenta slices, finishing with a sprinkle of extra parsley or smoked paprika for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to seal it tightly to preserve the buttery sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure the texture and flavors remain intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the skillet contents over low heat on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor thanks to their naturally higher fat content.

Is smoked paprika necessary for this dish?

While smoked paprika provides the signature smoky depth that the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is known for, you can substitute regular paprika if needed — just expect a milder flavor profile.

Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter sauce mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before adding it to the skillet during cooking.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is cooked?

The safest and freshest way is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken will also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, the ingredients scale up nicely. Just ensure your skillet is large enough, or cook the chicken in batches to maintain even cooking and flavor consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a wonderfully rich yet simple dish that packs a punch of smoky, buttery flavor, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is your new go-to. It’s an easy recipe with exciting results that will bring a little Texas magic straight to your kitchen. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite with friends or family—it’s sure to become a cherished classic in your meal lineup!

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. Quick and easy to prepare, this skillet dinner is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that combines savory and sweet elements with a touch of smoky spice.

Instructions

Prepare the butter sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, uniform sauce and set it aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Deglaze the pan: Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom to incorporate into the sauce. Stir in the prepared butter mixture and cook it until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the buttery sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh and colorful garnish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the dish more precisely.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor or to keep it lighter.
For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked salt instead of regular salt.
Serve the dish with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad to complement the richness of the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American