If there’s one thing I know about busy weeknights, it’s that dinner often feels like a juggling act. Between work, errands, and maybe convincing the kids that broccoli is, in fact, edible, getting a delicious meal on the table can feel like running a marathon in flip-flops. Enter the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really takes just 25 minutes start to finish.
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. Think juicy, golden-brown chicken smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce with just the right touch of smoky paprika and a kiss of honey. It’s hearty enough to impress your family, yet easy enough that you won’t be left scrubbing ten pans afterward (because who needs that?).
Whether you’re looking for a foolproof skillet chicken recipe or simply craving a one-pan chicken dinner that delivers big flavor without the fuss, this dish checks all the boxes. Let’s tie on that apron, heat up the skillet, and make magic happen.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Minimal Clean-Up: One skillet, one happy cook.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Comforting flavors that even picky eaters can’t resist.
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Restaurant-Worthy: That rich garlic butter chicken taste you love at Texas Roadhouse—now in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
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2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
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¼ cup unsalted butter (55 g)
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2 tsp honey (10 ml)
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1 tsp garlic powder (3 g)
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1 tsp smoked paprika (3 g)
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½ tsp salt (2.5 g)
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½ tsp black pepper (2.5 g)
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¼ cup chicken broth (60 ml)
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1 tbsp chopped parsley (3 g, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Mix the Sauce Base
In a small bowl, blend the butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts 5–6 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate. -
Deglaze & Make the Sauce
Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Stir in the butter mixture and cook until smooth and slightly thickened. -
Coat & Simmer
Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and let simmer 2–3 minutes. -
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Skillet
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken breathing room. If it’s packed in too tightly, it’ll steam instead of sear.
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Check the Temperature: A quick meat thermometer check saves you from dry, overcooked chicken.
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Butter Trick: If you want a silkier sauce, whisk in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. (Butter really does solve everything, doesn’t it?)
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Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for an indulgent twist.
And if your sauce looks a little separated? Don’t panic. It’ll still taste divine—just give it a stir and serve with confidence.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this recipe was after a long day of errands. You know the kind—traffic jams, grocery bags splitting, and a to-do list that never ends. I didn’t want takeout, but I also didn’t want a sink full of dishes.
So, I reached for my trusty skillet, tossed in some chicken, and whipped up this buttery sauce. By the time I called my family to the table, the kitchen smelled like comfort food heaven. My husband thought I had recreated his favorite Texas Roadhouse dish (and I didn’t correct him). Let’s just say, this recipe earned a permanent spot in my “weeknight lifesavers” folder.
What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This chicken pairs beautifully with just about anything. Here are some favorites:
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Mashed Potatoes: Let that buttery sauce soak right in.
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Rice or Quinoa: Great for a lighter base.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots balance out the richness.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
If you’re hosting, a crisp side salad and a glass of chilled white wine make this meal feel downright fancy.
How to Store
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
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Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Pro tip: Slice leftover chicken and toss it into wraps, grain bowls, or even on top of a salad for quick weekday lunches.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this skillet chicken recipe—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder?
You can use minced fresh garlic for a stronger kick, but garlic powder keeps things quick and fuss-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately. Reheat together before serving.
What’s the best side dish for this one-pan chicken dinner?
Mashed potatoes or rice are classics, but roasted veggies or even pasta are equally delicious.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something special about a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but doesn’t demand hours of effort. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is just that—an easy chicken skillet recipe that brings bold flavour, minimal mess, and maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a family dinner, this one-pan chicken dinner has your back.
So the next time life gets hectic (and let’s be honest, it always does), remember that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just grab your skillet, some butter, and a little love, and you’re halfway there.
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Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce with smoky paprika and a touch of honey. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers restaurant-worthy comfort without the hassle.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
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¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter
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2 tsp (10 ml) honey
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1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
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1 tsp (3 g) smoked paprika
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½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
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½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
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¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth
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1 tbsp (3 g) chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
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Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Stir in the butter mixture and cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness (adjust cooking time).
Add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger kick.
For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
Leftovers work well in wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
