Name: Creamy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (divided); 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced (divided); 1.5 tsp ground turmeric (divided); 2 tsp ground cumin (divided); 2 tsp garam masala (divided); 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp red chili powder; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Naan bread, basmati rice, or cornbread (for serving)

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings the beloved flavors of a classic dish right into your home kitchen. Have you ever craved that incredibly rich, tender chicken swimming in a luscious, savory sauce, all served up in a rustic skillet, reminiscent of your favorite casual dining spot?

While the concept of Butter Chicken originates from India, a dish renowned for its creamy tomato-based gravy and succulent marinated chicken, the “skillet” presentation adds a distinctly American, comforting touch, often associated with hearty, shareable meals. Texas Roadhouse, celebrated for its robust flavors and generous portions, has a knack for taking familiar concepts and elevating them into unforgettable offerings. This particular adaptation brings a touch of that famous roadhouse warmth and hospitality directly to your table, merging global inspiration with homespun charm.

People absolutely adore this dish for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The chicken, cooked to tender perfection, soaks up every drop of the velvety, spice-infused butter sauce, creating a symphony of savory notes with just a hint of sweetness. It’s wonderfully convenient, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions where you want to impress without overwhelming effort. Recreating the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at home means you can savor that comforting, restaurant-quality meal whenever the craving strikes, complete with all the warmth and flavor you remember.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (approximately 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. I find thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful experience, but breasts work beautifully too if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) plain full-fat Greek yogurt. The acidity in the yogurt tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring every bite is incredibly soft and succulent.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger adds a wonderful zing and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for that foundational aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. Beyond its vibrant color, turmeric offers earthy notes and a subtle bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Cumin brings a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala. This aromatic spice blend is the heart of many Indian dishes, providing complexity and a floral spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste). For that signature “Roadhouse” kick, adjust based on your spice preference. A little warmth goes a long way here.
- 1 teaspoon salt. Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground. Adds a sharp, pungent note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. A splash of citrus brightens the marinade and aids in tenderizing.
For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon for finishing. High-quality butter is key for the richness and velvety texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a neutral oil like canola). For sautéing and preventing the butter from burning.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped. The foundation of our aromatic sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated. Layering ginger flavor ensures depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced. Again, layering the garlic for maximum flavor impact.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric. For color and earthy notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Enhances the warm spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala. Builds on the complexity from the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. This is where we introduce that subtle “Texas Roadhouse” smoky depth, differentiating it from traditional butter chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (like Kashmiri chili, if available, for color without excessive heat; otherwise, use a pinch of cayenne). Adds a lovely color and a gentle warmth.
- 1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes. High-quality crushed tomatoes are crucial for the body and sweetness of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth. Adds liquid and another layer of savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (full-fat is recommended for ultimate richness). This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity). Depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes, a pinch of sugar can perfectly balance the flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. For final seasoning adjustments.
- 1/4 cup (about 60ml) hot water or more chicken broth, if needed to adjust consistency.
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish. Essential for freshness and a vibrant finish.
- Naan bread, warm flatbread, or fluffy basmati rice, for serving. These are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a true “Roadhouse” feel, consider serving alongside some homemade cornbread or garlic mashed potatoes!

Preparation Phase: Marinating the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful sear later on. Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces cook more evenly, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked. Place the chicken into a large bowl.
Whisk the Marinade: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: Greek yogurt, grated fresh ginger, minced fresh garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined paste. This vibrant mixture is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken.
Marinate the Chicken: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken cubes in the large bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the chicken vigorously, ensuring every single piece is completely coated in the flavorful marinade. Don’t be shy; really work it in!
Chill and Rest: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor and tenderness, I highly recommend marinating for 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight (up to 12 hours). The longer it marinates, the more deeply the flavors penetrate the chicken, resulting in a truly exceptional dish.

Cooking Phase: Developing the Rich Skillet Sauce

Sear the Marinated Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This helps with more even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet – a cast iron skillet is ideal here for that “Texas Roadhouse” rustic feel and excellent heat retention – over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You’ll likely need to do this in 2-3 batches. Crowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Achieve the Golden Sear: Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and slightly caramelized. The goal here isn’t to cook it through entirely, but to develop a fantastic crust and lock in moisture. Once seared, transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a clean plate and set aside. Repeat with any remaining chicken, adding a touch more oil if needed. Don’t worry about any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; those are flavor powerhouses for our sauce!
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes, or until the onion softens considerably and turns translucent, beginning to caramelize at the edges. This slow sauté brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which is crucial for the sauce’s depth.
Add Ginger and Garlic: Stir in the grated fresh ginger and minced fresh garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; a gentle sizzle is perfect.
Bloom the Spices: Now, add the ground turmeric, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and red chili powder to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The heat will toast the spices, releasing their full aroma and intensifying their flavors. You’ll notice an incredible fragrance filling your kitchen. This step, known as “blooming” the spices, is absolutely essential for a truly flavorful sauce.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. If desired, add the granulated sugar at this point to counteract any acidity from the tomatoes.
Simmer and Reduce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. A longer simmer (up to 30 minutes) will result in an even richer, more complex sauce.

Finishing the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Blend for Smoothness (Optional but Recommended): For an incredibly smooth, restaurant-quality sauce, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet. Blend until perfectly smooth. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids – ensure the lid is properly vented for a regular blender and start on a low speed. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can skip this step, but I find the smoothness really elevates the experience of this particular dish.
Return Chicken to Sauce: Carefully add the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat all the chicken.
Add Cream and Finish with Butter: Stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to come back to a very gentle simmer for just 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat the chicken through and warm the cream. Do not boil after adding cream, as it can curdle.
Final Richness: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the final 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt into the sauce, giving it that characteristic glossy finish and luscious richness that “butter chicken” is famous for. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect! If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little hot water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Serving Your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with fresh, chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness and color that beautifully contrasts with the rich sauce.
Presentation is Key: Serve your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet piping hot, directly from the skillet (if it’s cast iron and oven-safe, just be careful with hot handles!).
Accompaniments: This dish is absolutely divine served with warm naan bread, fluffy basmati rice, or even a side of Texas-style cornbread for that true “Roadhouse” comfort food experience. The goal is to have something perfect for scooping up every drop of that incredible, creamy sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Choosing the Right Chicken:

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option, I find that boneless, skinless chicken thighs truly shine in this recipe. Their higher fat content keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful, even after marinating and simmering. If using breasts, be mindful not to overcook them during the searing phase, as they can dry out more easily. Cut them into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tender results every time.

The Magic of Marination:

Do not skimp on the marination time! The yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices in the marinade work wonders to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with deep flavor. While 30 minutes is the minimum, aiming for 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator, will yield a noticeably more tender and flavorful chicken. The acidity in the yogurt breaks down muscle fibers, making the chicken incredibly soft and juicy.

Searing for Flavor:

Achieving a good sear on the chicken is not just about aesthetics; it’s about building layers of flavor. The caramelized bits that form on the chicken’s surface, known as the Maillard reaction, contribute significantly to the overall depth of the dish. Make sure your skillet is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to develop that beautiful golden-brown crust. Those browned bits left at the bottom of the pan are precious “fond” that will enrich your sauce even further!

Spice Blending and Blooming:

The success of the sauce relies heavily on the quality and freshness of your spices. Using freshly ground spices, if possible, will always give a superior flavor. The step of “blooming” the spices – lightly toasting them in oil or butter after sautéing the aromatics – is critical. This short burst of heat releases their volatile oils, intensifying their aroma and flavor profile before liquids are added. Don’t rush this step, and keep stirring to prevent burning.

Customizing the Heat:

The “Texas Roadhouse” influence in this dish suggests a little kick. The cayenne pepper in the marinade and the red chili powder in the sauce provide warmth. However, you are absolutely in control! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne and red chili powder. For those who love extra heat, feel free to increase these amounts or even add a pinch of fresh green chilies with the ginger and garlic. Smoked paprika also adds a wonderful, subtle smokiness that isn’t spicy but contributes to that robust flavor profile.

Achieving a Velvety Sauce:

For that signature velvety texture, blending the sauce after simmering is a game-changer. An immersion blender makes this incredibly easy, allowing you to blend directly in the skillet. If using a regular blender, exercise extreme caution when blending hot liquids. Blending helps to break down the onion and tomatoes, creating a wonderfully smooth and cohesive sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Don’t skip the heavy cream and final knob of butter; these are what give butter chicken its luxurious richness and glossy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage:

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the chicken marinade and let it sit overnight. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, add the freshly seared chicken, and finish with cream and butter. Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! This dish also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore consistency.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Rice and Naan:

While basmati rice and warm naan are classic pairings, feel free to get creative with your serving choices, especially to lean into the “Texas Roadhouse” theme. Consider serving this alongside:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce is incredible over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes.
Garlic Bread or Texas Toast: Perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini grilled alongside would offer a nice textural contrast.
Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness beautifully.

Experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy this hearty and flavorful skillet meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, folks! We’ve journeyed through the steps to create a truly remarkable dish, a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a dish designed to bring warmth and immense satisfaction to your dining table. I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, you’ll understand exactly why it’s quickly become one of my absolute favorites, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too.

Why is this a must-try, you ask? Beyond the incredibly tender, perfectly cooked chicken, it’s the rich, creamy, and subtly sweet sauce that truly elevates it. Each bite is an explosion of savory goodness, perfectly balanced, and utterly comforting. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a celebratory dinner but is surprisingly simple to whip up on a busy weeknight. The aromas alone as it simmers on your stove will have everyone gravitating towards the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their plate. Imagine the golden-brown crust on the chicken, the way the butter-infused sauce clings to every piece, offering a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible. This is more than just food; it’s an experience, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that you can create right in your own home. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and the right technique, can transform into something truly extraordinary. Trust me, the sheer deliciousness will speak for itself, making this a recipe you’ll revisit time and time again.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations:

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its core deliciousness but also in its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. For a classic, comforting experience, I wholeheartedly recommend pairing your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with a generous scoop of fluffy basmati rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These act as perfect canvases, soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. But don’t stop there! Imagine dipping a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread or a homemade biscuit into the leftover sauce – pure bliss! For a lighter touch, a crisp, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely counterpoint to the richness. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or even a side of roasted broccoli would also make excellent companions, adding both color and nutrients to your plate.

Feeling adventurous? Let’s talk variations! If you prefer a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For those who enjoy a slightly different flavor profile, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving can brighten the whole dish. You could even swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier, more succulent texture. Thinking about adding more veggies? Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach wilted into the sauce towards the end would be delightful additions, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value. For a touch of extra richness, a swirl of heavy cream just before serving can take it to another level of indulgence. And if you’re looking to make it a cheesy sensation, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella melting over the top during the last few minutes of cooking would create a gooey, irresistible crust.

Your Turn to Experience the Magic!

Now, it’s your turn to bring this magic to life in your own kitchen. I truly encourage you to gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and embark on this delicious culinary adventure. Don’t be shy; cooking should be a joyful and rewarding experience, and this recipe delivers on both fronts. Once you’ve tasted the incredible flavors and savored the comforting warmth of your homemade Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please, share your stories, your photos, and your triumphs with us. Tag us on social media, leave a comment below, or send us an email – your feedback inspires me and helps our wonderful community of home cooks grow. Happy cooking, and prepare to be amazed!