The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish that pairs tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with a luscious butter sauce infused with honey, smoked paprika, and garlic. This easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality taste at home with minimal fuss.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the prepared butter mixture and let melt into a silky sauce.

4. Return chicken to the skillet and coat evenly with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.

5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with extra sauce.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: Moderate (chicken)

• Fat: Rich (from butter and oil)

• Sodium: Moderate

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Smoky, and Buttery

At the heart of this recipe is the sauce, a harmonious blend of creamy butter, sweet honey, smoky paprika, and aromatic garlic. The butter provides a rich, silky texture that coats the chicken beautifully, elevating the natural juiciness of the meat. Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky, slightly spicy warmth of the smoked paprika, creating a multidimensional flavor profile.

Garlic powder contributes savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients, while salt and black pepper round out the seasoning, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced. This combination of flavors evokes the signature taste of Texas Roadhouse’s famous butter chicken, allowing you to enjoy a familiar and beloved dish in the comfort of your home.

One-Pan Convenience and Cooking Technique

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity and efficiency. Using a single skillet means fewer dishes to clean and a faster cooking process, which is especially helpful on hectic weeknights. The chicken is seared in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.

After cooking the chicken, the skillet is deglazed with chicken broth, which lifts the flavorful browned bits off the bottom, adding a subtle depth to the sauce. Incorporating the prepared butter mixture into the broth creates a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken, enriching every bite.

This technique of cooking the chicken first and then making the sauce in the same pan ensures that no flavor is lost, and the dish achieves maximum taste with minimal effort.

Health and Dietary Considerations

While this recipe is indulgent due to its rich butter sauce, it also provides a good source of lean protein thanks to the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The use of olive oil as the cooking fat adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which contribute positively to the dish’s nutritional profile.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. For those mindful of sodium intake, seasoning can be adjusted by reducing added salt or using low-sodium chicken broth. The moderate sodium level in this dish balances flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and buttery flavor. Classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or garlic green beans create a traditional Southern-inspired meal.

For a lighter option, serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or steamed broccoli. These add color, nutrients, and a textural contrast that balances the richness of the sauce.

Rice or buttered noodles are also excellent accompaniments, soaking up the flavorful sauce and turning the dish into a hearty, satisfying meal. Garnishing with chopped parsley not only adds a pop of freshness but also enhances the visual appeal of the plate.

Versatility and Adaptability

This recipe is highly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. The amount of honey can be adjusted to increase or decrease sweetness, while the smoked paprika can be swapped for regular paprika if a milder flavor is desired.

For those seeking more heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter mixture introduces a subtle spicy kick that complements the smoky notes. Incorporating fresh garlic instead of garlic powder can intensify the garlic aroma for garlic lovers.

Additionally, the cooking method can be adjusted slightly to accommodate different kitchen equipment. While the skillet method is recommended for the best caramelization and sauce development, the chicken can also be baked and finished with the sauce poured over afterward for a hands-off approach.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time

Achieving tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful crust depends on proper cooking technique. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and searing helps ensure a golden-brown exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.

Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking helps redistribute juices, maintaining moistness. Stirring the butter mixture smoothly into the warm chicken broth creates a velvety sauce that adheres beautifully.

Using quality unsalted butter and fresh spices elevates the dish, making each bite richer and more aromatic. Finishing with fresh parsley or other herbs adds brightness and contrast, balancing the richness on the palate.

Nutritional Overview

Each serving of this butter chicken skillet provides a moderate amount of protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. The fat content is higher due to the butter and olive oil, contributing to the dish’s richness and flavor depth.

Calories remain reasonable, making it suitable for those seeking indulgent meals in controlled portions. The dish’s gluten-free status makes it a suitable option for many dietary preferences, and the presence of antioxidant-rich spices like paprika supports overall health.

By pairing the chicken with nutrient-dense vegetables or whole grains, this dish can be part of a balanced and satisfying meal plan.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is an indulgent yet approachable dish that brings bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and garlicky butter sauce paired with tender chicken breasts makes for a satisfying and memorable meal.

Its one-pan preparation simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The dish’s rich flavor profile, combined with its gluten-free nature and adaptability, ensures it appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.

Adding this recipe to your website will offer readers a delicious way to enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine at home. With its blend of simplicity, flavor, and elegance, Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.