Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken

This buttery Texas Roadhouse-inspired chicken skillet recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The combination of rich butter, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce creates a dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in under 30 minutes on a busy weeknight.

I developed this recipe after trying to recreate the buttery goodness of Texas Roadhouse chicken at home. My family now requests this "special" dinner at least twice a month, and guests always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Choose plump, even-sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Butter: Use real butter not margarine for authentic flavor
• Heavy cream: Creates that silky restaurant-style sauce
• Garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without the hassle of mincing
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color
• Onion: Creates the aromatic base of the entire dish
• Salt and pepper: Essential for proper seasoning throughout
• Chicken broth: Adds depth while creating enough sauce to coat every bite
• Dried thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes that complement the chicken perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces about 1-inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better browning. Season generously on all sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft. The onions should not brown but rather become fragrant and tender.

Brown the Chicken:

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes before flipping. Continue cooking until all sides are golden brown and chicken is nearly cooked through, approximately 8 minutes total.

Create the Sauce:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits contain incredible flavor. Sprinkle the dried thyme over everything and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.

Finish with Cream:

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This prevents the cream from curdling. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The chicken should be fully cooked through at this point.

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The secret to this recipe is allowing the butter to properly infuse with the onions before adding the chicken. My grandmother taught me this technique years ago, explaining that rushing this step would result in a less flavorful dish. Taking those extra minutes to develop the butter-onion base makes all the difference.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop overnight making this dish even more delicious the next day. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce if it has thickened too much. Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Perfect Pairings

This buttery chicken shines when served over egg noodles rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For vegetables consider steamed broccoli roasted asparagus or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the dish. Warm crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Customization Options

The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile. Add mushrooms during the onion sautéing step for an earthy addition. Incorporate baby spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrition. For a spicier version add red pepper flakes or cayenne with the other seasonings. Replace the thyme with Italian seasoning rosemary or tarragon for different flavor profiles. For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

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Enjoy the robust flavors of this dish with your favorite side dishes and share with loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often provide more flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar richness without dairy.

→ What sides pair well with this butter chicken skillet?

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables add freshness to balance the rich flavors.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

→ How spicy is this dish?

This dish is mild with just a hint of warmth from the paprika. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste when seasoning the chicken.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this butter chicken?

While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If freezing, reheat slowly on low heat and whisk well to recombine the sauce.