Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich, creamy dish packed with juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection, and smothered in a decadent butter sauce. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that I can recreate right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe combines comfort and flavor in every bite. The chicken gets beautifully seared, staying tender and juicy on the inside while crisping up perfectly on the outside. The butter sauce adds that signature richness, and the seasoning gives it the ideal balance of savory and slightly spicy notes. This dish feels fancy, but it’s super simple to make in one skillet. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just myself, it’s always a hit!

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

First, I season the chicken breasts with paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Next, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Once the butter is melted, I pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
I bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. I let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5–7 minutes, so it absorbs all the flavors.
Before serving, I drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
I serve the dish immediately, often over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Servings and timing

Yield: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a more tender cut of meat.
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet for more texture and flavor.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for added richness and flavor.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I suggest gently warming the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, I sometimes prepare the sauce and chicken separately and store them in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I simply reheat and combine.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If I want some heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Can I use a different protein?

This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time to match the protein you’re using.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! I freeze any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is everything I want in a weeknight meal—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s simple enough for any night of the week, but it also has the kind of bold flavor that feels like a special treat. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!