Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish
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.