Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness); 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

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Introduction

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a creamy, buttery, and flavorful dish that brings the cozy steakhouse experience right to your home kitchen. Juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection are simmered in a rich sauce loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s comfort food done the Texas way, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

The image shows a close-up of many small, golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with visible grill marks, piled together in a white dish. The chicken is covered in a creamy, light yellow sauce with green herbs sprinkled all over. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed on top for decoration. There is a dark spoon partially visible on the right side of the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a savory steakhouse-style flavor.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it reduce slightly, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. For extra richness, whisk in the final tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper as desired.
Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 8–10 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the skillet with warm rolls, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Season generously with spices before searing to build deep flavor.
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to get a nice sear instead of steaming.
Use real unsalted butter for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
Scrape up browned bits from the pan when adding broth to enhance the sauce.
Simmer the chicken gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes off heat so the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Add red pepper flakes, mushrooms, fresh herbs, or lemon zest for extra flavor twists.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the chicken to cool before storing to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between heats until piping hot.

How to Serve

A close-up view of grilled chicken pieces layered in a white bowl, each piece golden brown with char marks and a creamy, herb-speckled sauce coating. The chicken is topped with scattered fresh green parsley leaves adding a touch of color. A silver spoon peeks from the side, resting inside the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While possible, using butter is recommended because it provides the signature rich flavor and silky texture. Margarine may alter the taste and sauce consistency.

What side dishes go best with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, buttered rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta are excellent choices to accompany the skillet and soak up the luscious sauce.