There is nothing quite like diving into a hearty, comforting dish that feels both indulgent and familiar, and this Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet delivers just that. Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces swimming in a luscious, buttery sauce, enriched with smoky spices and crowned with melted cheddar cheese that pulls you right in at first sight. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something with big flavors but minimal fuss in the kitchen. Every bite wraps you in warmth and richness, making it a new favorite to add to your dinner rotation.

Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet come to life, you’ll want simple, readily available ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s depth of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color. Nothing complicated, just the essentials to create that memorable buttery, savory punch.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so each one is evenly cooked and perfectly tender.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star component that brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic punch that complements the butter beautifully.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides that signature smoky flavor that’s synonymous with Texas cooking.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives just the right amount of warmth without overpowering.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little kick, this adds a perfect touch of heat.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping to build a silky sauce.
¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh hint of herbal flavor and color.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to get a beautiful sear on the chicken while keeping it juicy.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, cheesy finish that takes this skillet to the next level of comfort food.
Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish: Adds a crunchy, fresh contrast and vibrant color.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by warming the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, generously season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Once your skillet is ready, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Then, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside — you want all that beautiful browning to stay in your pan for the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Butter Sauce

With the chicken out of the way, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth first to deglaze the pan, gently scraping up all those delicious browned bits that pack serious flavor. Next, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Combine and Cheese It Up

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give everything a good stir so the chicken is fully coated in that dreamy buttery sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, then cover the skillet with a lid just long enough to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

Once the cheese has melted, turn off the heat and sprinkle your freshly chopped parsley across the skillet. This final touch gives a burst of color and a bright flavor that balances the rich sauce, making every bite more exciting.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your skillet to restaurant-worthy status. For this dish, I love finishing with a handful of sliced green onions—they add a pleasant crunch and vibrant pop of green that contrasts so nicely against the creamy, cheesy chicken. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley enhances both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken skillet is designed to be served with sides that can soak up all the buttery goodness. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, offering creamy comfort alongside the dish. If you prefer something lighter, steamed rice or a crusty baguette works beautifully — trust me, you won’t want to leave any sauce behind!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try serving the Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming look. Another fun idea is to spoon it over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or even roasted vegetables for a colorful, well-rounded plate that impresses without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it just as delicious—if not more so—the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the texture and keep it nice and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, making the butter chicken even more tender and succulent.

Is this dish very spicy?

The Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet has a mild warmth thanks to smoked paprika and chili powder. You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to suit your spice preference or omit it altogether for a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheddar cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt will work in a pinch, though chicken broth does add a richer, more savory flavor.

How do I get perfectly cooked chicken every time?

Pat your chicken pieces dry before seasoning and cooking, and make sure not to overcrowd the skillet so they brown evenly instead of steaming. Cook over medium-high heat until golden and no longer pink in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that is both rich and simple, full of vibrant flavors, and easy enough to whip up any day of the week. The Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet has quickly become one of my go-tos for those nights when I want comfort without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—trust me, once you do, it’s going to be a dinner you look forward to time and time again!

Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet

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This Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich and creamy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a buttery, spiced sauce with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned with smoky paprika and a hint of heat from cayenne, this comforting skillet meal comes together quickly and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat well. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and garnish with sliced green onions, if using. Serve immediately with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the full flavor of the sauce.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the chicken back in.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, white rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.