If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich, comforting flavors with a touch of indulgence, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is an absolute game changer. This skillet recipe masterfully blends tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spiced sauce that’s bursting with warmth and depth. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this dish promises a satisfying experience that’s as vibrant in taste as it is straightforward to make. Trust me, once you try this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating a harmonious balance between creaminess, spice, and freshness. These simple components come together effortlessly yet deliver a powerhouse of taste and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking with a tender bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps build the flavor foundation as you cook.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Contributes sweetness and body to the sauce once softened.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the skillet with aromatic warmth and depth—fresh is always best.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers luscious creaminess that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Curry powder (1 tablespoon): Brings vibrant, spicy notes that make this dish uniquely flavorful.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky undertone and gorgeous color to the sauce.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and balances the spices perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Lightens the sauce while adding savory depth.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh brightness that lifts the entire skillet to the next level.
- Fresh cilantro: Used as a garnish to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Cooked rice or naan: Ideal for serving and soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as the butter not only prevents sticking but also infuses the base of your dish with that classic rich flavor you’re aiming for. Let it get warm and slightly bubbly before moving on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are no longer pink inside, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This searing locks in the juices and adds texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onions. The goal here is to soften them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes; this sweetness sets the tone for the sauce. Using the same pan keeps all those lovely browned bits from the chicken that will enrich your sauce.
Step 4: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just about one minute until fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic—it should smell heavenly, not bitter, and this quick step adds aromatic layers that make the sauce unforgettable.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together smoothly. This mixture forms the luscious base of your sauce that will hug every piece of chicken with creamy goodness.
Step 6: Season with Spices
Add your curry powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the spices to bloom, releasing their full flavors to make the dish vibrant and inviting.
Step 7: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Now, add the cooked chicken back to the sauce. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures the chicken soaks up all those fantastic spices and creaminess while staying juicy and tender.
Step 8: Add Lemon Juice and Simmer
Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish with a hint of acidity. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly, resulting in a sauce that’s balanced, rich, and irresistibly flavorful.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. This final touch elevates the whole presentation, making your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice for garnishing this skillet. Its fresh, citrusy aroma complements the creamy, spiced sauce beautifully. You might also consider a light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a few thinly sliced green onions for a subtle crunch and extra color contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy cooked rice or warm, buttery naan bread. Both options are fantastic for soaking up all the buttery, creamy sauce that makes this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe so crave-worthy. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the skillet straight from the pan, accompanied by small bowls of extra garnishes like yogurt, chopped nuts, or pickled onions. You can also plate individual portions with a side of colorful roasted peppers or steamed greens to add brightness and balance to the meal’s richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, let any leftovers cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness again without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen butter chicken can maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add an extra layer of juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly until tender and golden brown for the best results.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe has a gentle warmth from the curry powder and paprika but is not overly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry powder or including a pinch of chili flakes to suit your taste.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that using coconut milk will add a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the curry spices.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep parts of the dish ahead of time, like cutting the chicken or dicing the onions. The sauce and final cooking are best done fresh to keep the flavors vibrant and the texture perfect.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides. Stick to plain rice or gluten-free naan alternatives to enjoy it without worry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe—it’s comforting, indulgent, and packed with flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its straightforward process means you don’t need to be a seasoned cook to wow your family or guests. So, grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into this delicious dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Indian influence
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with a buttery, spiced sauce featuring curry powder, paprika, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal, served over rice or with naan for a complete experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Dice the onion finely to ensure even cooking and flavor release.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to create a rich base for the chicken and sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent, creating a fragrant foundation.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld.
- Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat all pieces evenly with the creamy, spiced sauce.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness and acidity, then let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the butter chicken skillet over cooked rice or with warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites; thighs can be substituted for a juicier result.
- Adjust curry powder and paprika to taste if a milder or spicier flavor is preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk (note the flavor change).
- Leftovers keep well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
- Fresh cilantro is key for garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
