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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in 30 Minutes Flat Recipe

4.8 from 120 reviews

A flavorful Texas Roadhouse inspired Butter Chicken Skillet that combines tender seared chicken with a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy butter sauce, enhanced by garlic, paprika, honey, and optional cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Butter Sauce

  • 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)

Add-Ins and Garnishes

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken pieces with salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika to build the foundational flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Create Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth and honey to the skillet, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate maximum flavor.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, then reduce heat to low and let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top of the chicken, cover with a lid briefly until the cheese melts.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with dried parsley, caramelized onions, and the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for added sweetness and Mediterranean flair. Serve warm with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a richer, more flavorful dish.
  • You can substitute butter with olive oil for a slightly healthier option.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and heavy cream or replace with coconut cream.
  • The cherry tomatoes and olives add a fresh Mediterranean twist but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Ensure the sauce simmers gently to avoid burning and to properly thicken.

Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Butter Chicken Skillet, quick chicken recipe, creamy chicken, skillet dinner, weeknight dinner, spicy chicken, garlic chicken