Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in 30 Minutes Flat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs preferred for richer flavor); Salt, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 4 tablespoons butter (can be replaced with olive oil); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended); 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spiciness); 1 cup caramelized onions (for sweetness); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons dried parsley (for garnish); 1 cup cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives (for a Mediterranean twist)

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Introduction

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet delivers rich, buttery flavors with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce.

The dish shows about twelve golden brown pieces of chicken mixed in a thick creamy beige sauce with visible green herb bits sprinkled on top and throughout. The tender chicken pieces have a crispy, lightly charred outside, and they are evenly coated with the glossy sauce. The chicken and sauce fill a deep white bowl and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs for richer flavor)
4 tablespoons butter (can be replaced with olive oil)
4 cloves garlic (fresh, minced)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons honey (for sweetness)
1 teaspoon paprika (for smokiness)
Salt to taste (essential for flavor)
Cracked black pepper to taste (essential for flavor)
1 cup caramelized onions (for sweetness)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons dried parsley (for garnish)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spiciness)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
1 cup cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives (for a Mediterranean twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat, adjusting to your taste.
Step 7: If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the chicken, cover the skillet briefly until melted.
Step 8: Garnish with dried parsley, caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Serve hot with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
Adjust cayenne or hot sauce to control spiciness according to preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the creaminess intact.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of browned gnocchi pieces in a creamy beige sauce with specks of black pepper and chopped green herbs scattered on top. The gnocchi has a golden crust on some parts and a soft texture under the sauce. The dish sits in a white bowl, with the sauce coating each piece smoothly. The surface under the bowl has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper searing. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.