Introduction
Ever wondered how Texas Roadhouse creates that irresistible buttery chicken flavor? This Butter Chicken Skillet brings the same rich, savory experience straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
With juicy chicken breasts, garlic, onions, and a decadent butter-based sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even a date night at home. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for mild heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This is 50% faster than the classic baked butter chicken while keeping all the richness intact.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.
- Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
Tips for Success
- Even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
- Richness hack: Stir in 1 tbsp more butter at the end for a glossy finish.
- Meal prep: Cook chicken separately and reheat in sauce for next-day leftovers.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Variations
- Spicy Butter Chicken: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Garlic Lovers: Use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Butter Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles.
- Serve alongside steamed green beans or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Top with extra parsley or chives for a restaurant-style presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken: Can make it dry; monitor internal temperature.
- Skipping butter: Butter is essential for authentic flavor.
- Too thin sauce: Simmer long enough to thicken; add a slurry of flour or cornstarch if needed.
- Not resting chicken: Letting chicken rest 5 minutes helps retain juices.
Storing Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce.
- Do not freeze with cream sauce—texture may separate.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor. Quick enough for weeknights but decadent enough for special occasions, it’s a dish that will impress every time.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay juicier and add more flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and vegan butter.
Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Peas, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully in the sauce.
Q4: Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store separately and reheat before adding freshly cooked chicken.
Q5: What sides go best?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are perfect companions.
