Introduction
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that brings together bold Southern-inspired flavors with a creamy, savory butter sauce that coats every tender bite of chicken. Inspired by the legendary flavor and homestyle charm of Texas Roadhouse, this skillet meal captures the essence of comfort food with juicy seared chicken, garlic, herbs, and a decadent cowboy-style butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or even meal prepping, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and a single skillet. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this butter chicken variation offers a crowd-pleasing experience that’s both hearty and full of flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a southern steakhouse meal made right in your own kitchen, ideal for those who crave buttery, garlicky satisfaction with a Texas twist.
The History Of
Butter chicken as a concept has deep roots in Indian cuisine, where it’s known as “murgh makhani,” featuring marinated grilled chicken in a rich tomato-butter-cream sauce. However, the Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken is an entirely different beast—one that fuses American steakhouse flavors with rustic comfort food traditions. Texas Roadhouse, a popular American restaurant chain known for its hand-cut steaks, hearty sides, and signature cinnamon butter, has long celebrated bold, buttery flavors in its dishes. The cowboy butter—typically a compound butter made with garlic, lemon, Dijon, herbs, and a hint of spice—has become a defining component in various steak and chicken recipes inspired by the brand. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet draws inspiration from these flavor profiles, evolving the traditional butter chicken into a skillet-style meal with American heartland appeal. Over time, this variation has gained popularity in home kitchens for its simplicity, versatility, and indulgent taste, representing a cultural mash-up of Southern comfort and bold steakhouse flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Season the chicken evenly with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving the chicken, allowing it to sear and turn golden brown.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic powder (or garlic salt), and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently until the butter is fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the butter sauce to coat thoroughly. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Let everything simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or warm bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Tips for the Perfect
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Use a well-heated skillet and avoid overcrowding to get a good sear. Cowboy butter can be store-bought or homemade—make it in advance with softened butter, garlic, herbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper for authentic flavor. Let the chicken rest briefly before returning it to the sauce so it stays juicy. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or more cream to loosen it. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aroma. Be cautious with salt levels if your cowboy butter is already seasoned—taste the sauce before adding more. To deepen the flavor, sauté a bit of minced shallot or onion in the skillet before adding the cream.
Variations and Customizations
Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra tenderness and flavor. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet for added texture and nutrients. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or half-and-half for a lighter version. Use ghee or clarified butter instead of cowboy butter for a richer taste with fewer seasonings. If you prefer a grilled flavor, sear the chicken on a grill pan before finishing it in the sauce. Turn this into a pasta dish by stirring in cooked linguine or fettuccine just before serving. You can also make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based butter and cream substitute while still capturing the rich, buttery essence.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich and indulgent dish that prioritizes flavor and satisfaction. With a high protein content from the chicken and fats from butter and cream, it’s filling and energizing, though also calorie-dense. A typical serving provides around 400–600 calories depending on portion size and sides, with approximately 25–35 grams of fat, 30–40 grams of protein, and minimal carbohydrates if served alone. For a lighter alternative, reduce the amount of butter and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Choosing skinless chicken breasts lowers the fat content, while thighs offer more flavor and moisture. You can boost the meal’s nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Be mindful of sodium levels, especially if using pre-seasoned butter or salted broth. While this dish isn’t designed to be diet food, it can fit into a balanced meal plan when served with healthier sides like steamed veggies or a fresh green salad.
FAQ
What is cowboy butter? Cowboy butter is a compound butter made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, crushed red pepper, and seasonings, often used for grilled meats and sauces.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately. Reheat gently and combine before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers? It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce texture.
Is this dish spicy? It’s mildly spicy due to red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your preference or omit the spice altogether.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream or oat-based cream to make it dairy-free.
What should I serve it with? This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Can I use other proteins? Yes, this sauce works great with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt into a deep mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until fully blended and lightly fluffy.