Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

If you’re craving the bold, creamy flavor of a restaurant-style dish made effortlessly at home, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is your new go-to. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is smothered in a garlicky butter and Parmesan cream sauce that’s rich without being too heavy—ideal for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted veggies.

Best of all, it all comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With just a few pantry staples, this dish transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular. From its golden, seared crust to the luscious sauce, this skillet is the ultimate in Southern-inspired comfort food.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick

Directions:

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits.

6. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens.

8. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Butter chicken, traditionally a rich and spiced Indian dish, has long been loved for its creamy texture and comforting flavor. But this Texas Roadhouse-inspired version brings a Southern American twist that makes it approachable, homestyle, and ideal for anyone looking to recreate that signature restaurant flair in their own kitchen.

Unlike the traditional Indian butter chicken, this skillet meal strips back the intense spices and instead builds flavor with garlic, Parmesan, and cream, resulting in a dish that leans into classic Southern comfort. The inspiration behind the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet stems from the chain’s reputation for hearty, crowd-pleasing meals that balance boldness and simplicity. This recipe captures that essence perfectly—easy to cook, rich in flavor, and loved by the entire family.

Why This Dish is So Popular

One of the primary reasons this dish is a household favorite is its versatility. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies many dietary needs (especially when made low-carb), is suitable for picky eaters, and doesn’t require obscure ingredients. Plus, it offers something truly comforting: a creamy garlic-butter sauce that clings to each piece of chicken like a warm hug.

The combination of well-seasoned chicken breasts, golden searing, and a creamy finish appeals to both beginners in the kitchen and seasoned home chefs. There’s no need for fancy tools or lengthy prep times—just one pan and thirty minutes. It’s no wonder this butter chicken skillet often tops the list for weeknight dinner ideas.

Taste Profile and Texture

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet delivers on flavor and mouthfeel. The taste is bold but not overpowering—garlic-forward with buttery notes and a touch of sharpness from the Parmesan. The cream ties it all together into a luxuriously smooth sauce that coats each bite.

The chicken, pan-seared to a golden crisp on the outside and juicy within, provides a satisfying contrast to the silky sauce. The textures are beautifully layered, from the slight bite of the Parmesan to the velvety richness of cream and butter. The optional red pepper flakes introduce a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.

Nutritional Benefits and Adaptability

While indulgent in flavor, this recipe can be made lighter without sacrificing taste. Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a coconut cream alternative. Use grilled chicken or skinless thighs if you prefer leaner proteins. And for those watching their carb intake, this dish pairs excellently with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

It’s also naturally gluten-free (just check your chicken broth label), making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivities. The richness of the sauce helps keep you full longer, and it provides a good balance of protein and fats for those on low-carb or keto diets.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking a cozy dinner for two or feeding a hungry family of five, this recipe adapts beautifully. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough to whip up on a Tuesday night. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and the process is forgiving, which makes it ideal even for beginner cooks.

It also keeps well, making it great for meal prep. You can make a double batch and store the leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making it arguably even tastier the next day.

Best Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is incredibly flexible when it comes to what you can serve alongside it. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce soaks into the mashed potatoes for a hearty, filling combo.

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus help balance the richness.

• Rice or pasta: If you’re feeding carb lovers, both white rice and fettuccine are excellent choices.

• Low-carb alternatives: Cauliflower mash or spiralized zucchini work beautifully for a lighter meal.

• Rustic bread: Mop up any leftover sauce with a chunk of warm bread—it’s irresistible.

For beverages, consider something crisp and refreshing, like sparkling water with lemon, or a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Customizations You Can Try

This dish is incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, low-sodium, or just put your own spin on it, here are a few fun ways to change things up:

• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth to the sauce.

• Try different cheese: Swap Parmesan for Asiago, Pecorino, or even cream cheese for a tangier twist.

• Use chicken thighs: Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving than breasts.

• Make it spicy: Stir in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you want more heat.

• Go dairy-free: Use plant-based cream and butter alternatives for a vegan twist (with tofu or seitan instead of chicken).

With these variations, you can create dozens of new flavor profiles using the same basic cooking method.

How to Get the Perfect Sear on Chicken

One of the defining elements of this dish is the beautifully browned chicken. Getting that perfect golden crust is easier than you think:

1. Pat your chicken dry: Moisture on the surface of the chicken can steam it instead of searing.

2. Season generously: Salt and spices help draw moisture to the surface and enhance browning.

3. Use a hot skillet: Make sure your oil is shimmering before you add the chicken.

4. Don’t move the chicken too soon: Let it sit undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side.

5. Butter and oil combination: Butter adds flavor while oil keeps the fat from burning.

That gorgeous sear not only enhances taste and texture, but also builds the base flavor for the entire sauce.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

If you’ve ever struggled to get kids excited about dinner, this dish is a game-changer. Its creamy and cheesy nature makes it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Skip the red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a mild, flavorful dish that’s safe for young palates.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Add finely chopped spinach, peas, or even grated carrots into the sauce. The flavors are so rich that the vegetables blend right in.

Budget-Friendly and Time-Saving

This recipe is also wallet-friendly. Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients—like garlic, butter, and cream—are kitchen staples for most home cooks. Plus, since it’s made in just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

If you’re short on time, you can prep some parts of the dish ahead. Pre-slice your garlic, measure out your spices, or even pre-cook the chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready to make the sauce. That way, your dinner comes together in minutes.

Conclusion

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, tender golden chicken, and rich Southern flavor, it brings restaurant-quality cooking into your own kitchen without any fuss.

Its simplicity, flavor, and flexibility make it a staple you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this dish checks every box. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.