Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – Creamy, Bold & One-Pan Comfort

Imagine the bold, buttery flavors of Texas Roadhouse meets creamy skillet comfort—that’s exactly what you get with this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Inspired by the steakhouse’s iconic cinnamon honey butter and rich, indulgent mains, this dish turns a simple chicken dinner into something crave-worthy and unforgettable. With seared chicken breasts, a buttery garlic cream sauce, and savory seasonings, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful with minimal cleanup. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm rolls to soak up every drop of that golden sauce!

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil or butter for searing

For the Butter Sauce:

4 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder optional for heat
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp grated parmesan optional for richness
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried

Equipment

Large cast iron skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Method

Prep & Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry. In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
Rub seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Sear the Chicken

Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Make the Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in paprika, chili powder (if using), and Dijon mustard.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream and parmesan if using. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

Combine & Finish

Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece.
Simmer on low for 2–3 more minutes to blend flavors.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

🥄 Variations

Honey Butter Glaze: Add 1 tsp honey to the sauce for a sweeter twist, inspired by Texas Roadhouse rolls.

Smoky BBQ Version: Add a dash of smoked paprika and a teaspoon of BBQ sauce to the cream.

Cheesy Spin: Stir in shredded cheddar at the end for a Southern cheesy upgrade.

Spicy Twist: Add 1–2 tsp hot sauce or crushed red pepper for heat.

Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs are juicy and flavorful. Adjust cook time as needed.

Is this the same as Indian butter chicken?
No—this version is more Westernized and inspired by steakhouse-style buttery flavors.

What can I use instead of cream?
Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner. For dairy-free, try coconut cream.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes—make and reheat gently on the stove. Best eaten within 2 days.

Can I skip the parmesan?
Yes—it adds richness but is optional.

What side dishes go best?
Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.

Can I double the sauce?
Definitely! This sauce is so good—you’ll want extra for drizzling.

Will this sauce break if reheated?
It can separate slightly—reheat gently and stir often to restore smoothness.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the chili powder for a milder flavor.

Can I use a nonstick skillet?
Yes—but a cast iron or stainless pan gives better browning and flavor.

🏁 Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings that rich, steakhouse-style comfort straight to your dinner table in just one pan. Creamy, buttery, and bursting with bold flavor, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home—no reservations needed.