The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a savory southern delight that combines golden-seared chicken breasts with a silky, flavorful sauce made of butter, honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. It’s everything you want in a comforting meal — rich, aromatic, and ready in just 25 minutes.
This one-skillet wonder is not only gluten-free but also impressively low-effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or feeding your family on a busy night, the combination of sweet and smoky notes with juicy chicken is bound to be a repeat request. Pair it with mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or roasted veggies for a balanced and satisfying dish.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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2 teaspoons honey
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
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Add the prepared butter mixture to the skillet and stir until it forms a smooth sauce.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is inspired by the comforting flavors of the American South and the famous family-style meals served at casual dining chains like Texas Roadhouse. While not directly affiliated with the restaurant chain itself, this dish captures the heart of its style: simple ingredients, bold seasoning, and rich, satisfying sauces that coat tender, perfectly cooked proteins.
Butter chicken, traditionally known for its Indian roots, takes on a whole new life in this version. By swapping in Southern spices like smoked paprika and using a skillet-seared technique, this dish blends international influence with Texan flair. The result is a sweet, smoky, buttery chicken dish that’s ideal for both casual dinners and special family meals.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There are countless chicken recipes out there, but the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet stands out for several reasons:
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It’s a one-pan dish. That means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and an overall easier cooking process—perfect for weeknights.
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The ingredients are simple and accessible. Most of the components are pantry staples or easily found in local grocery stores.
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It’s packed with flavor. The combination of honey, butter, smoked paprika, and garlic gives this dish a rich and bold taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
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Gluten-free by nature. No substitutions needed for those on a gluten-free diet, making this a safe go-to recipe for many households.
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Versatile for pairing. Whether served with mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or even pasta, this dish fits a variety of eating styles.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, Sweet, and Savory
The hallmark of this dish is its perfectly balanced flavor profile. The butter creates a velvety texture and richness that coats the chicken beautifully, while the honey introduces just a hint of sweetness to cut through the saltiness and spice.
Smoked paprika gives the dish a distinctive warmth and depth—it’s not spicy, but it is robust and earthy. Combined with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, the spice blend enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.
The sauce itself is silky and clingy—ideal for spooning over rice, dipping bread into, or using as a glaze on roasted vegetables served on the side.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
Despite its richness, this dish can fit into a healthy eating plan with some mindful adjustments:
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High in protein. With each chicken breast containing approximately 25–30 grams of protein, this dish supports muscle repair and energy production.
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Naturally low-carb. This makes it a great option for keto or low-carb lifestyles when paired with cauliflower rice or greens.
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No gluten-containing ingredients. Perfect for gluten-sensitive individuals or anyone avoiding wheat.
You can also use ghee or coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free or Whole30-compliant version, and the sweetness of the honey is balanced enough not to spike blood sugar for most eaters (though diabetics should monitor their intake).
Ideal for Any Skill Level
One of the best things about this recipe is how beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need advanced kitchen skills or fancy equipment—just a good-quality skillet and a few basic tools.
The method is straightforward: season, sear, deglaze, simmer. It’s almost foolproof, making it a great choice for people who are new to cooking or looking for reliable, no-fuss dinner ideas.
Yet it’s also elegant enough for experienced cooks to dress up with a few creative twists, such as garnishing with fresh herbs, adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or finishing with a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This dish is a blank canvas for sides, which is one reason why it’s so popular. Some of the most-loved accompaniments include:
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Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for classic comfort
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Cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a low-carb plate
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Buttered egg noodles for a hearty, family-style meal
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Crusty bread to mop up every bit of the delicious sauce
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Fresh green salads for a light, crisp contrast
To elevate the visual appeal, try garnishing the finished plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a wedge of lemon, or even some crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
How to Customize the Recipe
While the core recipe is divine as-is, it also lends itself beautifully to customization:
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Add spice. If you enjoy heat, stir a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the butter mixture.
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Make it creamy. For a silkier sauce, add 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk.
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Go cheesy. Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar right before serving for a richer finish.
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Use different cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, offering extra juiciness and flavor.
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Vegetarian option. Substitute tofu or thick-cut zucchini rounds and cook them the same way, letting the sauce do the heavy lifting.
Meal Prep and Leftover Tips
This skillet dish is not only quick to make, but it also stores and reheats well—making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can dry out the chicken.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the butter-based sauce can separate when thawed. However, you can prep the butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, ready to go when needed.
What Makes It “Texas Roadhouse” Style?
The name “Texas Roadhouse” evokes a bold, hearty, comforting kind of cooking—exactly what this dish delivers. Although it’s not an official restaurant recipe, it mirrors the flavor-forward, rustic meals people have come to expect from Texas Roadhouse-style cuisine.
Think of this dish as a home-cooked homage to the flavors of the South: smoky, buttery, full-bodied, and always cooked with love. Whether you’ve dined at Texas Roadhouse or not, this skillet chicken gives you that same feeling of warmth and satisfaction, straight from your own kitchen.
Testimonials and Family Approval
Ask anyone who’s tried this dish, and you’ll hear the same responses:
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“My kids devoured it!”
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“It tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant—but better.”
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“So easy and fast, it’s my new weeknight staple.”
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love. Plus, with just a few core ingredients, it’s cost-effective and easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Make It Part of Your Weekly Rotation
Once you make this recipe, chances are it will become a permanent part of your weekly dinner rotation. Why?
Because it hits that sweet spot between indulgent and practical. You can whip it up with pantry staples, adjust it based on what you have in the fridge, and enjoy a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—without actually doing so.
Want to impress guests? Make this dish and pair it with wine and roasted vegetables.
Want to satisfy your family without hearing complaints? This buttery, saucy chicken always gets a thumbs-up.
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution for busy cooks, a comfort for weeknight dinners, and a flavor bomb that will win over even the pickiest of eaters. Its blend of rich butter, sweet honey, and bold smoked paprika creates a crave-worthy combination that’s versatile, easy to prepare, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup. Try it once, and you’ll quickly see why it’s not just good—it’s skillet gold. Let the flavor of the South shine in your kitchen tonight with this irresistible recipe!