The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the rich, savory charm of a restaurant-style meal right into your kitchen. The combination of perfectly seared chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and a velvety butter-cream sauce makes each bite unforgettable. Enhanced with Parmesan and fresh herbs, it delivers flavor depth that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with family, this dish is a great go-to when you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed how fast and satisfying this meal can be. Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed veggies for a complete and indulgent plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
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Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Irresistible Allure of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
If there’s one thing that never fails to please a crowd, it’s a hearty skillet meal, especially when it features golden-seared chicken swimming in a buttery, garlicky, herbaceous cream sauce. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the definition of comfort food with flair: familiar, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a weeknight dinner or you’re looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this dish delivers with both ease and elegance.
Inspired by the bold and rustic flavors you’d expect from a Texas-style steakhouse, this butter chicken skillet pays homage to American comfort food while drawing from timeless culinary techniques. It blends juicy chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, rich cream, and the tangy saltiness of Parmesan cheese into one creamy, dreamy dish, all cooked in a single skillet.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. The combination of flavor, texture, and richness makes this recipe feel indulgent and restaurant-worthy while remaining approachable and budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One skillet, minimal cleanup – This dish is designed for ease. From stovetop to table, it all happens in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
Big flavor, simple ingredients – You don’t need exotic spices or fancy ingredients. Everything here can be found in a standard grocery store or already sitting in your kitchen.
Creamy and comforting – Thanks to heavy cream and butter, the sauce is luxuriously smooth and coats each bite of chicken with indulgent richness.
Customizable – This recipe adapts easily to your tastes. Want it spicier? Add red chili flakes. Need it dairy-free? Swap for coconut cream and vegan butter.
Family-approved – Even picky eaters can’t say no to tender chicken and a buttery garlic sauce. It’s a safe bet for feeding everyone at the table.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Let’s break down what makes this butter chicken skillet such a knockout:
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, protein-rich, and cook quickly, making them ideal for skillet meals. For extra juiciness, make sure not to overcook them, internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a more tender bite.
Garlic
Garlic plays the lead role in flavor development. It’s sautéed in butter to create a fragrant base for the sauce. Be sure to use fresh garlic cloves for optimal depth, powdered garlic won’t bring the same aromatic punch.
Butter
The richness of butter infuses the entire dish. It’s used not only to cook the garlic but also to elevate the overall flavor profile. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish more precisely.
Italian Seasoning & Paprika
This duo adds warmth and complexity. Italian seasoning brings in oregano, basil, and thyme while paprika offers a subtle smokiness. The result is a well-rounded flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is responsible for the luxurious texture of the sauce. It reduces slightly in the skillet, thickening and becoming more flavorful as it absorbs the garlic and herb notes. For a lighter version, you could substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce may be thinner.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a nutty sharpness and natural umami. Avoid pre-grated cheese here, it won’t melt smoothly and may lead to a grainy texture.
Chicken Broth
Just a splash of broth helps deglaze the skillet, lifting all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. It also adds a savory depth and prevents the cream from becoming overly heavy.
Fresh Parsley
The final garnish adds color and a hint of freshness, brightening up the dish and cutting through the richness of the sauce.
Tips & Techniques for Best Results
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Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the searing step. A golden crust on your chicken adds not only texture but essential flavor to the overall dish.
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Deglaze Wisely: After searing the chicken, deglazing the pan with broth before adding cream allows you to incorporate all those caramelized bits into the sauce.
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Low and Slow Cream Sauce: Once you add the cream and cheese, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from separating. A gentle simmer is all you need.
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Rest the Chicken: Before slicing, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. This ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This skillet chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a variety of sides, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
Starches
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Garlic mashed potatoes – A natural match that soaks up every bit of sauce.
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Buttered egg noodles – A classic choice for cream-based dishes.
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White or brown rice – Simple, neutral, and great for absorbing flavor.
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Cauliflower rice – A low-carb, keto-friendly option.
Vegetables
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Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts – Adds a nutty contrast.
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Steamed green beans – Light and vibrant.
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Grilled asparagus – Earthy and perfect with garlic flavors.
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Side salad with vinaigrette – Offers a crisp, tangy counterbalance to the richness.
Nutritional Insights
While this dish does include cream and butter, it offers plenty of protein and essential nutrients. A single serving contains about 520 calories, making it a filling main course.
Here’s a brief overview per serving (approximate):
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Protein: 40g
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Fat: 36g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 0g
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Calcium: 15% DV
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Iron: 10% DV
To make the dish a bit lighter, consider:
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Using light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Reducing the butter by 1 tablespoon.
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Swapping some of the Parmesan for nutritional yeast (for a lower-fat, dairy-light option).
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This dish is ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
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Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations to Try
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Add Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can be sautéed right in the sauce for added nutrition and color.
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Make it Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut milk and plant-based butter for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
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Herb Swap: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can replace the Italian seasoning for a seasonal twist.
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a dish, it’s an experience. It evokes the warmth of a Southern kitchen, the boldness of steakhouse flavors, and the comfort of a homemade meal, all in one skillet. Its rich and creamy sauce feels luxurious, while its simple preparation makes it achievable even on the busiest weeknight.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Serve it to family, guests, or simply enjoy a quiet night with a glass of wine and a plate full of creamy goodness. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing’s certain: this dish will keep everyone coming back for seconds.