Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in 30 Minutes Flat

If you’ve ever wished you could recreate the rich, comforting flavors of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken at home, this skillet recipe is your answer. In just 30 minutes, you can have juicy chicken, a buttery garlicky sauce, and a meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for weeknights. This recipe captures all the flavors you love from the restaurant, without the wait or the cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a quiet night at home, this skillet dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Golden seared chicken coated in a lightly sweet and buttery sauce makes every bite irresistible. Let’s dive in and break down exactly how to make this dish perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and flavorful: Ready from prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
• Juicy, tender chicken: Both breasts and thighs work, with thighs offering extra richness.
• Buttery, garlicky sauce: Simple ingredients combine into a restaurant-quality sauce.
• Customizable: Add cheese, caramelized onions, or spices for extra flair.
• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum taste.
• Perfect for weeknights: Comforting enough for dinner yet quick enough for busy schedules.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 and is organized by component for clarity.

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs for richer flavor)
• Salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter (can substitute with olive oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup caramelized onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley, for garnish

Variations

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce, for heat
• ½ cup heavy cream, for creaminess
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, for a Mediterranean twist

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
• Tongs or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve golden chicken and a buttery sauce that sings with flavor.

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

• Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
• Season both sides generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• Reduce heat slightly and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burned.

4. Build the Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Return the Chicken

• Place the seared chicken back into the skillet.
• Spoon sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
• Reduce heat and allow the chicken to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.

6. Optional Cheese and Onions

• If using cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and cover the skillet briefly until melted.
• Add caramelized onions on top for added sweetness and depth.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle dried parsley over the finished dish.
• Serve immediately alongside garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple rice dish to soak up the buttery sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for extra flavor and color.
• Butter Substitute: Use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• Chicken Choice: Thighs are richer and juicier; breasts are leaner and cook faster.
• Cheese Add-In: Cheddar or Monterey Jack enhances flavor and gives a melty topping.

Flavor Profile

• Rich and buttery: The sauce’s butter base gives a smooth, savory flavor.
• Sweet undertones: Honey and optional caramelized onions provide a gentle sweetness.
• Garlicky punch: Minced garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor.
• Smoky warmth: Paprika lightly seasons the chicken with smoky undertones.
• Customizable texture: Cheese or tomatoes add creamy or tangy dimensions.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting, classic pairing.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Simple white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• Fresh salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	850 mg
Cholesterol	110 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Vitamin A	500 IU
Vitamin C	2 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	2 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, can be made dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Chicken: Season chicken in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Pre-make Sauce: Garlic and broth mixture can be prepared ahead and reheated before adding chicken.
• Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm on stovetop to prevent the sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though breasts cook faster and are leaner. Monitor cooking time to prevent drying out.

2. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. How thick will the sauce be?
The sauce should be slightly thick, coating the back of a spoon, but still pourable.

4. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.

5. Is it okay to skip the cheese?
Yes, the butter, garlic, and honey sauce is delicious on its own. Cheese adds richness but isn’t necessary.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Chicken & Ingredients	10 min
Sear Chicken	10–12 min
Sauté Garlic & Build Sauce	5 min
Simmer Chicken in Sauce	5–7 min
Optional Cheese Melt & Garnish	3 min
Total	30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.
• Garnish with parsley for freshness and visual appeal.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Butter Chicken: Add ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
2. Spicy Kick: Include cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
3. Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a splash of lemon juice.
4. Cheesy Comfort: Top with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a melty finish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Thighs:

• Juicier than breasts, less prone to drying out.
• Even cooking is key; choose uniform sizes.

Butter:

• Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Honey:

• Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness.
• Can be adjusted to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry to achieve a proper sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if needed.
• Scrape browned bits from the skillet when adding broth to enrich the sauce.
• Simmer gently to avoid overcooking chicken while thickening sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken and sauce together or separately for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Chicken and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth if sauce is too thick.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	850 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, can be made dairy-free with olive oil substitution.

Expanded Conclusion

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet proves that you don’t need hours to create a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner at home. Juicy chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and optional cheese or caramelized onions make each bite a delight. With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep.

Give this recipe a try tonight—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together into a rich, flavorful skillet meal. Experiment with variations, add your favorite sides, and enjoy a buttery, garlicky dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.

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