Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness); 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); 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)

Introduction

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich and creamy dish that delivers bold, steakhouse flavors right in your own kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and simmered in a luscious buttery sauce with a hint of smoky paprika. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

In a white bowl, several pieces of browned chicken thighs are covered with a thick, creamy mustard-yellow sauce speckled with herbs. The sauce has a smooth texture with flecks of green parsley fresh sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces have a glossy, slightly charred surface that contrasts with the rich sauce surrounding them. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible beside it. 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 that savory steakhouse-style flavor.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until 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 bottom. Let it reduce slightly, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken. For extra buttery richness, whisk in the final tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne as desired.

Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy butter sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the skillet with warm rolls, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper searing. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the skillet may result in uneven doneness.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream for the sauce, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the original.