If hearty Southern-inspired comfort food is calling your name, look no further than the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Imagine juicy chicken, cloaked in a velvety garlic butter sauce, punctuated with smoky paprika and just enough lemon to make each bite dance on your tongue. This soul-satisfying skillet meal comes together in under thirty minutes yet tastes like it simmered for hours, making it the ultimate weeknight showstopper or a perfect way to kick off the weekend in style.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is its simplicity. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to amplify the flavor, texture, and tempting color of the final dish. Gather these everyday staples and you’re halfway to dinnertime bliss!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ lbs): Chicken thighs are especially juicy, but breasts will stay moist thanks to the decadent sauce.
Paprika (1 ½ tsp): Adds warm color and subtle sweetness, forming a flavor-packed base.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Layers in mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Complements garlic and boosts the savory notes.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing out all the savory goodness.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Brightens the flavors with a mild hint of heat.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps sear the chicken golden while adding rich flavor.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, divided): The star ingredient—makes that buttery sauce downright irresistible.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): For deep, aromatic one-two punch when sautéed in butter.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Deglazes all those tasty browned bits and creates the base for the sauce.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (½ cup): Delivers crave-worthy creaminess; swap for a lighter version if you wish.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp): A hint of smokiness sets this dish apart from the everyday creamy chicken.
Lemon juice (1 tsp): Cuts through the richness with tangy freshness.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp) for garnish: The vibrant green finish wakes up the entire skillet.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry—this little trick ensures a glorious golden sear. Generously sprinkle both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give them a gentle press so the spices cling to every nook and cranny, setting the stage for bold flavor.

Step 2: Sear Until Golden

Heat olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of that glorious butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is shimmering hot, add your chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side. We’re after that deep golden crust—the kind that can only come from patience. When cooked through and beautifully bronzed, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Toss the remaining butter into the pan, sliding it around as it melts. Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, stirring often. You’ll be hit with the kind of scent that announces, “Something amazing is about to happen in this kitchen.”

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet with a wooden spoon or spatula to lift every delicious browned bit—the secret to a deep, savory sauce. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and that touch of lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and lusciously creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Slide your seared chicken (and any flavorful juices that collected on the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the buttery sauce all over the top, nestling each piece into the creamy goodness. Let everything bubble gently together for another 2 minutes, so the flavors meld into their full glory.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with a flurry of fresh parsley and—if you’d like—a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. All that’s left is to gather everyone around, because this skillet was made for sharing.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Scatter a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving. Not only does this bring a pop of color, but it adds a light, herby freshness that balances the richness. A wedge of lemon or two alongside the skillet lets each diner dial up the zesty tang to their taste.

Side Dishes

This skillet begs for something to soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or a basket of warm rolls are all classic choices. For a lighter meal, serve with steamed green beans, crisp asparagus, or a simple tossed salad—the richness of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet pairs well with just about anything!

Creative Ways to Present

Take presentation to the next level by serving the chicken family-style right out of the hot skillet at the table. Or, plate individual portions atop a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, spooning generous amounts of sauce over the top. For a fun twist, slice the chicken, layer it over toasted bread, and drizzle with extra sauce for a knife-and-fork sandwich that will definitely wow your dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet keep exceptionally well. Simply let any extras cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken as it chills but remains delicious and ready for a quick lunch or second round at dinner.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep the cream sauce smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually my favorite for extra tenderness and a bit more flavor. Either cut works beautifully in this skillet.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No problem! Regular paprika will work, although the final flavor won’t have the signature smoky depth. For a little smokiness, add a tiny pinch of chipotle powder or leave it out altogether.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still wonderfully creamy and tangy.

Can I prepare Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

You sure can! Make the entire recipe, cool completely, and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, gently reheat and add a splash of liquid to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

Is the sauce spicy?

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet sauce is more savory and smoky than spicy. If you like a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne powder when seasoning the chicken or whisk a dash into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, impressive, and packed with comfort, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is it. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s most-requested meal. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready for a splash of Southern-inspired joy at your own table!