Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Imagine the sizzle of a hot skillet as tender chunks of chicken bathe in a rich, velvety butter sauce with that unmistakable Texas Roadhouse flair. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet combines the bold, savory flavors of the famous steakhouse with the comfort of a home-cooked meal. This indulgent dish features juicy chicken pieces coated in a luxurious butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite roadhouse restaurant. You’ll learn how to recreate this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a game-changer for your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the perfectly seared chicken exterior and the juicy, tender inside creates an irresistible textural experience. The sauce is the true star – creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor that coats each piece of chicken beautifully.

What makes this dish special is its perfect balance – rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, coming together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The one-skillet approach means minimal cleanup, which is always a bonus.

The versatility of this Roadhouse butter chicken is another major selling point. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, and it pairs beautifully with nearly any side dish you can imagine. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks will have everyone gathering around the table before you even call them for dinner.

Ingredients

For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Texas Roadhouse seasoning (or make your own with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

The quality of your butter matters here – use a good-quality unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. The Texas Roadhouse seasoning brings that authentic restaurant flavor, but you can easily create your own blend at home.

Pro Tips

Season Generously: The secret to restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse chicken is proper seasoning. Don’t be shy with the Texas Roadhouse seasoning blend. Apply it evenly to all sides of your chicken pieces before they hit the skillet. This creates that signature flavor crust that makes this dish special.

Master the Sear: For the perfect texture contrast, get your skillet properly hot before adding the chicken. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle when the meat hits the pan. Avoid overcrowding the skillet – work in batches if necessary. This ensures each piece gets a beautiful golden sear rather than steaming in its own juices, which is crucial for the butter chicken skillet experience.

The Butter Technique: The butter should be added in stages, not all at once. Start with a portion for searing, then add more when creating the sauce. When finishing the sauce, cut the remaining butter into small pieces and swirl them in one at a time with the heat reduced. This method, called “mounting with butter,” creates an emulsified sauce with a silky, restaurant-quality texture that perfectly coats each piece of chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels – this is essential for achieving a good sear. Season the chicken pieces generously with the Texas Roadhouse seasoning, making sure all sides are evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted and starts to foam slightly, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.

Step 3: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip each piece and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until all sides are nicely seared and the chicken is almost cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step is crucial for building the flavor foundation of your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet sauce.

Step 6: Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Return the chicken to the skillet, including any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces. Gently swirl the butter into the sauce until completely melted and incorporated, creating a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Garnish your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Spicy Roadhouse Butter Chicken: For heat lovers, transform your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 finely diced jalapeños with the onions. You can also stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end for an extra kick that complements the rich butter sauce beautifully.

Herb Garden Butter Chicken: Create a fresh herb-infused version by adding a tablespoon each of freshly chopped rosemary and thyme along with the garlic. Finish the dish with a handful of fresh basil chiffonade just before serving. This variation brings a bright, aromatic quality to the butter chicken skillet that’s perfect for spring and summer meals.

Mushroom and Bacon Butter Chicken: For an ultra-savory twist, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or baby bellas work well) after cooking the onions and include 4 slices of crispy, crumbled bacon when you return the chicken to the skillet. The earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon take this already delicious dish to new heights of flavor complexity.

Storage and Serving

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter-based sauce may solidify when cold, but will return to its creamy consistency when gently reheated. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce.

Serve this indulgent chicken dish over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes that will soak up all that delicious butter sauce. For a complete Texas Roadhouse experience, pair with a side of their famous rolls and cinnamon butter. The butter chicken skillet also works beautifully alongside steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad with ranch dressing for a fresh contrast to the rich main dish.

For an impressive presentation, bring the entire skillet to the table and serve family-style, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side. This creates a restaurant-worthy experience right at your dining table.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier, though they may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.

What can I use if I don’t have Texas Roadhouse seasoning?
You can make your own by combining 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and paprika, plus ½ teaspoon each of black pepper and onion powder. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat if desired.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
While the butter is central to this recipe, you can substitute with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What’s the best type of skillet to use?
A cast-iron skillet works best for the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet as it retains heat well and creates an excellent sear. However, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.

Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cut and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. You can also pre-chop the onions and garlic to make dinner assembly faster.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a luxurious, buttery delight that brings restaurant-quality indulgence to your kitchen with surprisingly little effort. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, satisfying even the most discerning eaters with its perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this skillet chicken delivers every time. The combination of properly seared chicken and that velvety butter sauce creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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