There’s something magical about a creamy, buttery chicken dish that brings comfort and indulgence to the table. My version of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is packed with rich flavors, tender chicken, and a perfectly spiced sauce that will make you savor every bite. Inspired by the bold and hearty dishes from Texas Roadhouse, this meal combines smoky, grilled flavors with the creaminess of butter and a hint of spice.

Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The combination of juicy chicken bites, a velvety sauce, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible skillet meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with warm bread or rice, making it an easy go-to for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Rich and Creamy – The buttery, spiced sauce is absolutely addictive.
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like a dish from Texas Roadhouse but made at home.
Versatile Pairing – Serve it with rice, naan, mashed potatoes, or even pasta.
Crowd-Pleaser – A dish the whole family will love, from kids to adults.

What Makes Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet So Special?

Texas Roadhouse is known for its bold flavors, and this Butter Chicken Skillet is no exception. What sets this dish apart is the perfect balance of smoky, buttery, and creamy flavors combined with tender, juicy chicken. Unlike traditional butter chicken, which leans heavily on Indian spices, this version has a Texan twist—featuring a slightly charred sear on the chicken and a buttery sauce infused with smoky paprika and a hint of garlic. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a rich, velvety finish.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the ingredients, here are some great alternatives:

Chicken – Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness.
Butter – For a healthier option, use ghee or olive oil.
Heavy Cream – Greek yogurt or coconut milk can be used for a lighter sauce.
Paprika – Smoked paprika gives a rich, deep flavor, but regular paprika works too.
Spices – Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper for heat or toning it down with extra cream.
Garnishes – Fresh cilantro is classic, but parsley works just as well.

These swaps make it easy to customize the dish to your dietary needs without compromising on taste!

Ingredients for This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the rich and creamy flavors of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast or Thighs – Tender, juicy, and perfect for absorbing all the buttery goodness.
Butter – Adds richness and gives the sauce its signature velvety texture.
Garlic – Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, savory aroma.
Paprika – A smoky kick that adds depth and a slight heat to the dish.
Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the butter sauce beautifully.
Tomato Paste – Brings acidity and depth to balance the richness of the butter and cream.
Heavy Cream – The key to a luscious, smooth sauce that coats every bite.
Chicken Broth – Helps build the base of the sauce, making it extra flavorful.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Cilantro or Parsley – A fresh garnish to add a pop of color and brightness.

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with extra flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Cream

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the seared chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring it’s fully coated and heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, naan, or mashed potatoes.

How Long to Cook the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

Searing the Chicken – About 6-8 minutes (3-4 minutes per side).
Making the Sauce – Around 5 minutes to combine ingredients and let flavors develop.
Simmering with Chicken – Another 3-4 minutes to coat the chicken in the sauce and heat it through.

In total, you’ll have a delicious skillet meal ready in under 20 minutes!

Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – It holds heat well and creates a beautiful sear on the chicken.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to get a crispy exterior.
Adjust the Spice Level – Add cayenne for extra heat or reduce paprika for a milder flavor.
Let the Sauce Simmer – A few minutes of simmering helps blend all the flavors beautifully.
Garnish Generously – Fresh cilantro or parsley brightens up the dish and adds freshness.
Pair with the Right Sides – Serve with fluffy rice, warm naan, or garlic mashed potatoes for the best experience.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a butter chicken skillet that rivals any restaurant’s!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Skipping the Searing Step – Browning the chicken adds a deep, smoky flavor. Don’t rush it!
Overcrowding the Pan – Too much chicken at once lowers the temperature, causing steaming instead of searing.
Not Letting the Sauce Thicken – Simmering for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
Using Low-Fat Dairy – Heavy cream is key for richness; swapping it for low-fat milk can make the sauce too thin.
Overcooking the Chicken – Chicken cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent dryness.
Forgetting to Scrape the Pan – Those browned bits from searing the chicken add incredible flavor to the sauce!
Skipping the Butter – It’s called Butter Chicken for a reason! The butter creates that silky, restaurant-style finish.
Not Tasting Before Serving – A final taste check ensures the perfect balance of salt, spice, and richness.

What to Serve With Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Butter Naan

Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up every bit of that creamy sauce.

2. Basmati Rice

Fluffy, fragrant basmati rice soaks up the buttery sauce beautifully.

3. Mashed Potatoes

For a Texan twist, serve this with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

4. Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini adds a pop of color and texture.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Smoky, buttery corn balances the richness of the dish with a little sweetness.

6. Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.

7. Texas Toast

Thick, buttery slices of Texas toast make an excellent side for this skillet dish.

8. Sautéed Spinach

A simple garlic spinach sauté adds a nutritious and flavorful contrast.

These sides complement the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Store the butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Cholesterol: ~120mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Fiber: ~2g

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for keto or low-carb diets!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and combine them when ready to serve.

2. Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely! Coconut milk adds a slightly different flavor but still keeps the sauce rich and creamy.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat on low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth. A microwave works too, but stir frequently to avoid separation.

4. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken for quicker cooking and better sauce absorption.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a bit of extra smoked paprika for more heat.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace butter with dairy-free alternatives like ghee or olive oil, and use coconut milk instead of cream.

7. What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add a bit of chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.

8. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the chicken first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours for a hands-off meal.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and creamy, indulgent sauces. It’s quick to make, packed with restaurant-quality taste, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

If you love this recipe, save it to Pinterest, share it with your family and friends, and let me know how it turned out! Enjoy your buttery, flavor-packed skillet meal!