This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings all the savory comfort of a restaurant favorite right into your home kitchen. A creamy garlic-parmesan sauce enriched with butter and herbs wraps tender chicken breasts in luxurious flavor. The one-skillet method ensures convenience and easy cleanup, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Infused with bold seasonings and slow-simmered for maximum richness, this skillet recipe stands out for its simplicity and taste. Whether you’re serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb veggie option, it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a must-have addition to your cozy dinner repertoire and a guaranteed family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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3 tablespoons salted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil.
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Season chicken breasts with paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Irresistible Charm of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Few dishes strike the perfect balance between rustic simplicity and indulgent flavor quite like the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. This recipe is a shining example of Southern-inspired comfort food done right. Designed to mimic the warm, welcoming meals you might find at your favorite roadhouse-style steakhouse, it features succulent chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce that’s rich, savory, and satisfying.
The skillet method makes this dish as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a food enthusiast exploring home-cooked restaurant-style meals, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It comes together quickly, uses minimal ingredients, and brings a robust flavor profile that can elevate any dinner table.
A Southern-Inspired Favorite
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet takes inspiration from the laid-back, flavor-packed dishes found across the Southern United States. Known for bold seasoning and hearty textures, Southern cooking often relies on high-quality ingredients, slow cooking methods, and a generous hand with butter and cream.
In this recipe, all those elements come together in perfect harmony. The chicken is seasoned and pan-seared for a golden crust, then enveloped in a luscious sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. The result is a skillet full of velvety sauce and juicy chicken, ideal for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or even sautéed vegetables.
This isn’t your typical butter chicken in the Indian cuisine sense though it shares the name. Instead, this version leans into the American steakhouse interpretation, celebrating garlic, dairy, and rich umami notes with a distinctly homey presentation.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the best aspects of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is its versatility and speed. With just a few simple steps, the dish comes together in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something that took all day to make.
1. Bold Flavor with Minimal Effort
From paprika and Italian seasoning to the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, every element in this dish has a specific role in building flavor. The garlic butter forms the base of the sauce, infusing it with aroma and richness, while the addition of cream and broth turns it into a silky gravy that clings to every bite.
2. One-Pan Convenience
Using a single skillet not only makes for easy cooking, but also ensures that all the flavors stay concentrated. Searing the chicken first develops fond (those caramelized bits on the pan bottom) that deepen the sauce. Deglazing the pan with broth or cream captures every bit of flavor, eliminating waste and maximizing taste.
3. Customizable and Family-Friendly
The seasoning level is balanced to suit most palates, with room to adjust depending on your spice preference. Kids love the creamy sauce, while adults can appreciate the herbaceous, garlicky depth. You can add vegetables, swap in thighs instead of breasts, or even make it keto-friendly by serving it with cauliflower mash.
Best Sides to Serve With Butter Chicken Skillet
This dish is the centerpiece of any meal, but it shines even more when paired with the right side dishes. Here are some top recommendations:
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Mashed Potatoes: The classic side for creamy skillet meals. The sauce soaks into the mash beautifully.
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Steamed Rice or Buttered Noodles: These neutral carbs absorb the sauce and add a comforting base.
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Grilled Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli: Adds balance to the richness of the chicken with a touch of crunch and greenery.
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Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: For those who can’t get enough of that sauce perfect for sopping it up.
This flexibility also makes the dish an excellent choice for gatherings. You can double or triple the batch and serve it buffet-style with multiple sides, letting guests customize their plates.
A Homestyle Recipe With Restaurant Quality
One of the greatest achievements of this recipe is how it delivers restaurant-quality taste without complexity. The skillet method mimics the effect of a well-seasoned flat-top grill used in many chain restaurants, ensuring a nice sear and flavor depth.
The garlic-butter sauce is what really makes it stand out. It’s luxurious without being overly heavy and thanks to the Parmesan, it also has a sharp, nutty bite that contrasts beautifully with the mellow creaminess. This flavor combination makes it appealing enough for guests while being easy enough for regular rotation in your home menu.
And unlike many restaurant dishes that may use pre-made sauces or artificial thickeners, this one is entirely from scratch, meaning you know exactly what’s going into it no mystery additives or preservatives.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
While the recipe is beginner-friendly, a few professional tips can take it from great to unforgettable:
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Use high-quality butter for better flavor. European-style butter with higher fat content will make the sauce even more luxurious.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This ensures you get that golden crust that seals in juices.
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Let the sauce simmer after adding the cream and cheese. This helps meld the flavors and achieve the right consistency.
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Rest the chicken briefly before slicing or serving. It allows juices to redistribute, keeping each bite moist.
The Nutritional Perspective
This dish is moderately high in calories and fat due to the use of cream and butter, but it’s also rich in protein. If you’re mindful of your intake, it’s easy to portion-control or pair it with lighter sides. It also fits well into low-carb diets when served without bread or starch.
For those with dietary concerns, it can be adjusted. Use plant-based cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version, or swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian take. It’s a flexible base for a variety of nutritional needs.
Conclusion:
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a recipe it’s a culinary experience that evokes the joy of sitting down to a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal. Whether you’re recreating the nostalgic flavors of a favorite steakhouse visit or simply looking for a new go-to chicken dish, this skillet meal delivers every time.
With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and unforgettable flavor, it’s a recipe that proves homemade meals can be just as satisfying if not more so than dining out. Serve it on a weeknight to impress your family or make it the star of your next weekend gathering. Either way, it’s bound to win over hearts and appetites.
