If you’re craving a seriously satisfying dinner with maximum flavor and minimal fuss, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is about to become your go-to weeknight hero. Imagine juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, honey-kissed butter sauce with whispers of smoked paprika and bright parsley, all cooked up in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. This gluten-free showstopper brings together sweet, savory, and smoky notes in every bite, making it feel like a special treat even on the busiest days. Trust me: this is comfort food that wins hearts (and empty plates) every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part, building layers of bold, irresistible flavor that define the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Gather up your favorites—these household staples really do come together like magic!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provide a juicy, protein-packed foundation and soak up all the buttery goodness.
Olive oil: Helps create that gorgeous golden sear and keeps the chicken beautifully moist.
Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, lending creaminess and sweet richness to every bite.
Honey: Adds just the right hint of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors like a charm.
Garlic powder: Delivers that mellow, rounded garlic flavor—essential for depth and aroma.
Smoked paprika: This is where the subtle smokiness sneaks in, giving the dish its Texas Roadhouse signature.
Salt: Brings out all those bold flavors; don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Offers just a touch of heat that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and deepens the sauce’s savory profile.
Chopped parsley: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Grab a small bowl and combine your softened butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it up until it’s completely smooth and creamy—the aroma at this point is already so promising. This flavorful mixture will be the source of both richness and that Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet magic.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and let them sizzle without moving for 5 to 6 minutes, until gorgeously golden on one side. Flip and cook the other side so both get a beautiful sear and reach a cozy internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, set your chicken aside on a plate so they stay juicy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Don’t let any of those caramelized bits in the skillet go to waste! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavor-packed morsels. Stir in your butter mixture and let the sauce bubble, transforming into a silky, shiny, slightly thickened masterpiece in just a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that irresistibly glossy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops and let the whole lot simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes—this is where the flavors all meld into that signature Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet harmony.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower the skillet with chopped parsley for zing and color. Bring the skillet straight to the table for a family-style feast, because trust me, everyone will want a second helping of that sauce!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley adds color and a vibrant, herby note that cuts deliciously through the richness of the sauce. For a little extra Texas flair, try a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving—this wakes up every flavor in your skillet.

Side Dishes

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet shines alongside simple sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or fluffy quinoa to catch every drop of sauce. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad are also perfect partners, balancing the dish’s richness while rounding out your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the chicken and sauce over warm, toasted gluten-free bread or inside a split baked potato for an unexpected, hearty twist. For parties, slice the chicken and pile it onto a platter with toothpicks for easy, saucy snacking, keeping that irresistible flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken up as it chills, but the flavor only deepens, making for even tastier leftovers the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture when you’re ready to enjoy those flavors again.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken—this way, your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet tastes just as comforting as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs make a juicier, richer alternative and soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For an extra creamy version of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, stir in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of heavy cream or coconut milk right after the butter mixture goes into the pan. It’s a super simple way to dial up the comfort factor.

Is this dish spicy?

The classic recipe is more smoky-sweet than spicy, but it’s easy to add heat—just mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to your butter mixture if you like a little kick.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes you can! Substitute the butter with a quality plant-based butter and use coconut milk in place of cream for that luxurious texture. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet still comes out just as crave-worthy and rich.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of broth to keep everything juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the sauce can separate and the chicken may become dry.

Final Thoughts

Once you make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, it’s almost guaranteed a spot on your comfort food shortlist. There’s just something so inviting about golden chicken bathed in that sweet, smoky, buttery sauce. Gather your family, share it straight from the skillet, and enjoy every last drop—you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!