Introduction
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a savory, indulgent dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy butter sauce. This flavorful dish, inspired by the famous Texas Roadhouse restaurant, brings together the delicious taste of perfectly seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a velvety butter sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or want to impress your guests with a mouthwatering skillet dish, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet will surely hit the spot.
The chicken is seared to perfection, creating a crispy, golden exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside. The butter sauce adds richness and depth of flavor, infusing the chicken and vegetables with a comforting, homestyle taste. This recipe is simple yet indulgent, making it the perfect choice for a hearty meal to enjoy with family and friends. Follow along as we guide you step-by-step to create this satisfying dish that will bring a touch of Texas Roadhouse to your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Rich, Creamy Butter Sauce: The buttery sauce is the star of the show, infusing the chicken and vegetables with a smooth, decadent flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the seasoning.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The chicken is seared until golden brown and then cooked in the skillet, keeping it juicy on the inside while developing a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich, restaurant-worthy taste, this dish is simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Versatile and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a savory butter sauce makes this dish both hearty and satisfying, while also being versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a meal for the entire family, this skillet dish is perfect for sharing, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 3-5g
Ingredients
For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Garlic bread
Special Equipment
This recipe requires only basic kitchen equipment, but a few specific tools can make the process smoother:
- Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan is ideal for searing the chicken and cooking everything in one pan. A good-quality skillet ensures even heat distribution, which is key to achieving a perfectly cooked chicken.
- Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer helps ensure that the chicken reaches the ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Spatula or Tongs: A spatula or tongs will make flipping the chicken and stirring the vegetables easier, allowing you to keep the food from sticking to the pan and ensuring even cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic, a good cutting board and sharp knife are essential.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of seasoning, so ensure you have measuring spoons and cups handy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, oregano, and cumin. Make sure both sides are evenly coated with the spices. The seasoning will give the chicken a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the rich butter sauce.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Make the Butter Sauce
Once the vegetables are softened and fragrant, it’s time to make the rich butter sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the Dijon mustard (if using) for a bit of tang, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
5. Combine the Chicken with the Butter Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and the chicken is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. The butter sauce will have a beautiful, glossy finish, and the chicken will be tender and flavorful.
You can serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce. This dish is perfect for sharing and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quicker to cook, using bone-in chicken (such as thighs or breasts) can add even more flavor and moisture. The bone helps to retain the juices, making the chicken even juicier.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference as well.
- Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: In addition to parsley, you can add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to elevate the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can easily dry out if overcooked. Be sure to monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest, richest butter sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. This will give the sauce a luxurious texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Make it a One-Pan Meal: If you want to make this dish even easier, serve it alongside your favorite quick side dishes like a simple salad or some roasted vegetables. You can even add a handful of spinach or kale to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
Variations of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Chicken and Shrimp Skillet: Add shrimp to the skillet along with the chicken for a seafood twist. The shrimp will cook quickly and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Chicken and Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for a heartier dish with extra umami flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet: For a more indulgent version, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the butter sauce for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Butter Chicken Skillet: If you like spice, add some chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Storage and Shelf Life
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Once the dish has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
For longer storage, you can freeze the skillet meal. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until fully warmed through.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
To make this skillet dish a complete meal, pair it with any of the following sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich butter sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is a great side dish to serve with the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and freshness to the dish.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet dish.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
This savory skillet dish features tender chicken cooked with a rich butter sauce, seasoned with bold spices. It’s a perfect combination of creamy and spicy, just like the flavors found at Texas Roadhouse.
Ingredients
For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
1 red bell pepper, chopped
-
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon ground cumin
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Sides:
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Roasted vegetables
-
Rice pilaf
-
Garlic bread
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, oregano, and cumin. Make sure both sides are evenly coated with the spices. The seasoning will give the chicken a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the rich butter sauce.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the vegetables are softened and fragrant, it’s time to make the rich butter sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the Dijon mustard (if using) for a bit of tang, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and allow the flavors to meld together.
Once everything is well combined and the chicken is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. The butter sauce will have a beautiful, glossy finish, and the chicken will be tender and flavorful.
You can serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce. This dish is perfect for sharing and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 30-35g
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a decadent and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this skillet recipe offers rich flavors and is simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, special occasion, or just craving a delicious meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that are sure to impress. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and satisfaction of this Texas-inspired skillet dish at home!