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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – A Restaurant-Inspired Skillet Favorite You Can Make at Home!

Craving that juicy, buttery chicken you had at Texas Roadhouse? You're in luck. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the famous flavors of the restaurant to your home kitchen — all in one pan and under 30 minutes! Imagine tender boneless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, simmered in a silky butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, honey, and just a touch of garlic. The result? An irresistibly rich, savory, and slightly sweet glaze that hugs every bite of chicken. This recipe is a weeknight dream — minimal ingredients, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a hunk of warm dinner roll, and dinner is DONE.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Meat:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
🧄 Produce:
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🧴 Canned Goods:
  • ¼ cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
🍯 Condiments:
  • 2 tsp honey
🧂 Spices & Seasonings:
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
🫒 Oils & Vinegars:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
🧈 Dairy:
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • Pro Tip: Use smoked paprika for that signature rich depth of flavor. It elevates this dish from simple to restaurant-worthy.

Equipment

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe seamless:
  • Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with:
  2. ½ tsp salt
  3. ½ tsp black pepper
  4. 1 tsp smoked paprika
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. Let them rest while you prep your skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until deeply golden and nearly cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F). Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add:
  2. ¼ cup unsalted butter
  3. 2 tsp honey
  4. ¼ cup chicken broth
  5. Whisk and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This creates your flavorful base.
Step 4: Return Chicken & Simmer
  1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the sauce over them.
  2. Simmer for 5 more minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
  1. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the skillet before serving. Spoon extra butter sauce over the chicken and serve hot!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Skillet: Add a splash of chicken broth or water and reheat over medium heat.
Microwave: Cover and microwave in 30-second intervals. Spoon leftover sauce on top before heating.
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes, covered, until hot.
Avoid overheating — it can dry out the chicken.
🥄 Variations
This base recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try these spins:
Creamy Butter Chicken: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a splash of hot sauce
Lemon-Herb Version: Replace paprika with lemon zest and a touch of thyme
Garlic Bomb Chicken: Add 3 cloves fresh minced garlic to the butter for extra punch
Honey Mustard Twist: Mix 1 tbsp Dijon mustard into the butter-honey mix
Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach
Herbed Crust: Coat chicken in Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then follow steps as usual
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. Cook a few minutes longer due to higher fat content.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat gently in a skillet and spoon fresh sauce over the top for serving.
3. Is this like Indian butter chicken?
Not quite — this is a Southern-style skillet dish, not curry-based. It’s more savory and buttery, without cream or tomato.
4. What sides pair best with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or warm rolls.
5. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
You can! Sear the chicken first, pour the sauce over it in an oven-safe dish, then bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a larger skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan when searing.
7. What’s the difference between smoked and regular paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a deeper, slightly woodsy flavor. Regular paprika is milder.
8. How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer — internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute with plant-based butter. Flavor will be slightly different, but still rich.
10. Does the honey make it too sweet?
Nope! It adds balance, not dessert-like sweetness. You can reduce to 1 tsp if preferred.
🏁 Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is everything you want in a comforting, satisfying dinner — juicy chicken, a silky butter sauce, and bold seasoning all made in one pan. It’s proof that restaurant-quality meals can be made in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Whether you're cooking for family, date night, or just want to indulge yourself a little, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Pair it with a buttery roll and a glass of sweet tea and you're set.