Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for skillet; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; ½ cup frozen corn (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing); Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for serving

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – just hearing those words conjures images of incredibly tender chicken, bathed in a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful sauce, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. As someone who absolutely adores recreating restaurant favorites at home, I can tell you there’s a unique satisfaction in mastering a dish that transports you straight back to your beloved eatery. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about bringing that cherished dining experience, complete with its comforting aromas and exquisite tastes, right into your own kitchen, whenever you crave it.

While the direct origins of this specific dish lie in the heart of a popular American steakhouse, its essence – a profoundly satisfying chicken and butter sauce – taps into a universal love for heartwarming, robust flavors that transcend cultural boundaries. People absolutely adore this meal for countless reasons. It’s the perfect blend of savory and subtly sweet notes, with a velvety texture that coats every piece of chicken beautifully. Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, the sheer convenience of preparing the entire Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in one pan makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, offering gourmet taste without the gourmet effort. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your family with this surprisingly simple yet utterly unforgettable dish!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (I personally love thighs for their juiciness in this dish!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the skillet
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (yes, we’re going for that rich, Texas Roadhouse-style butteriness!)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with the garlic!)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional, but adds a lovely sweetness and texture)
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if you can find them for extra depth!)
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for that umami kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference, or omit for mild)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for a little thickening, or use cornstarch slurry for gluten-free)
For Garnish & Serving:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, if desired)
- Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for serving

Phase 1: Preparing Your Ingredients for the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Before we dive into the delicious cooking process, the secret to a stress-free and successful meal, especially one as robust and flavorful as our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, lies in meticulous preparation. This is what we chefs call “mise en place” – everything in its place. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Gathering Your Tools and Setting the Stage:

Grab Your Skillet: You’ll want a large, heavy-bottomed skillet for this, ideally cast iron or a sturdy stainless steel one, about 10-12 inches. A good skillet retains heat wonderfully, which is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear on the chicken and building a flavorful fond at the bottom. Make sure it has a lid, or a lid that fits another one of your pots.
Prepare Your Cutting Board and Knives: A clean, stable cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are your best friends here. You’ll be doing a fair bit of chopping, so having the right tools makes the work enjoyable and safe.
Set Up Your Bowls: Have several small bowls ready for your chopped ingredients and spices. This keeps everything organized and within arm’s reach when it’s time to start cooking.

Prepping the Chicken:

Cube the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here because it ensures that all pieces cook evenly. If some pieces are too small, they’ll overcook and become dry, while larger ones might remain undercooked. I usually pat my chicken dry with paper towels first; this helps immensely with browning later on.
Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Use your hands to really get in there and ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. This initial seasoning is vital for infusing flavor right into the heart of the chicken, rather than just relying on the sauce. The smoked paprika not only adds color but a wonderful, subtle smoky depth that hints at the hearty flavors we’re aiming for with our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Chopping the Aromatics and Vegetables:

Dice the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Finely dice your large yellow onion. For a dish like this, where we want the onion to melt into the sauce rather than stand out as chunky pieces, a fine dice is best. Then, mince your four cloves of garlic. Garlic is a cornerstone of flavor here, so I wouldn’t recommend skimping! You can use a garlic press if you prefer, but I find mincing by hand gives a better texture.
Prep the Bell Peppers: Core, seed, and dice your red and green bell peppers into ½-inch pieces. The combination of red and green not only adds beautiful color but also slightly different nuances of sweetness and bitterness that round out the vegetable profile. These will add a lovely crunch and freshness to the finished skillet.
Measure Out Other Ingredients: Now is the time to measure out your crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and all-purpose flour. Having these ready in separate small bowls or measuring cups prevents you from frantically searching for them mid-cook. And if you’re using frozen corn, get that out of the freezer so it can thaw a bit before it goes into the skillet.

Phase 2: Building the Flavor Foundation

This phase is all about creating the deep, rich foundation of flavor that will make our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet truly unforgettable. We’re going to layer flavors, from the golden crust of the chicken to the aromatic bloom of spices.

Sear the Chicken to Perfection: Place your large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot (you’ll see a slight ripple), add half of your seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; if you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of sear, preventing that desirable golden-brown crust. We’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden-brown sear on all sides, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning isn’t just for looks; it develops incredible depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Once browned, remove the first batch of chicken to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding a little more oil if needed. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through; it will finish cooking in the sauce later. The key here is the glorious crust!
Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Fond: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in your finely diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent. As the onion cooks, use your wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the skillet. These caramelized bits are pure flavor gold and will dissolve into our sauce, adding incredible richness. This is where the magic really begins for our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet!
Introduce the Garlic and Bell Peppers: Now, add your minced garlic and diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; a gentle golden hue is perfect. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be absolutely intoxicating!
Bloom the Spices and Create a Roux: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet with the vegetables. Let it melt completely. Once melted, stir in the tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a quick roux that will help thicken our sauce beautifully later on. Next, add the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, allowing the spices to “bloom” in the hot fat. Blooming spices in butter and oil releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavors dramatically. This step is a cornerstone of the rich, layered taste we want in our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. You’ll notice the tomato paste deepening in color and smelling more concentrated.
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the low-sodium chicken broth. Immediately use your spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing process is vital for incorporating all those caramelized flavors into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring well to combine everything. The sauce should start to look cohesive and inviting.

Phase 3: Creating the Signature Butter Sauce and Finishing the Cook

Now we’re truly bringing everything together to create the creamy, robust, and utterly satisfying sauce that defines our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. This is where the dish transforms from components into a harmonious meal.

Introduce the Cream and Worcestershire: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. The heavy cream will lend a luxurious richness and a silky texture to the sauce, while the Worcestershire adds a subtle tang and an incredible depth of umami that makes the whole dish sing. Allow it to gently warm through, but avoid bringing it to a rolling boil once the cream is added, as it can sometimes separate. We’re aiming for a comforting, velvety consistency.
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Carefully add all the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces into the simmering sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken is coated. This is where the chicken will finish cooking, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of our rich sauce.
Add the Optional Corn: If you’re using frozen corn, now is a great time to stir it in. The corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of texture that complements the savory chicken and peppers perfectly. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in the overall experience of this hearty Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with its lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time. Check the chicken periodically to ensure it’s cooked through; a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be coating the back of a spoon nicely. If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can always add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out slightly. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can uncover it and let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.

Phase 4: Finishing and Serving Your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

We’re in the home stretch! This final phase ensures our Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is perfectly balanced in flavor and beautifully presented, ready to impress everyone at the table.

Adjust Seasoning and Freshness: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached its ideal thickness, remove the skillet from the heat. This is a crucial moment for tasting and adjusting. Taste a spoonful of the sauce. Does it need more salt? A pinch more pepper? Perhaps a tiny dash more cayenne if you like things spicier? Adjust to your personal preference. Remember, a well-seasoned dish is a delicious dish! Then, stir in about half of your freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The fresh herbs add a vibrant burst of flavor and a lovely bright color that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
A Moment to Rest: While it might be tempting to dive right in, letting the skillet rest for 5 minutes off the heat, covered, allows the flavors to further meld and settle. This brief resting period also helps the chicken reabsorb some of its juices, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Garnish and Serve with Pride: Ladle generous portions of your incredible Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet into bowls or onto plates. Garnish each serving with the remaining fresh parsley or cilantro. If you desire, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can enhance the flavors even more, adding a lovely textural crunch.
Serving Suggestions: This hearty, flavorful skillet is absolutely perfect served alongside fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that amazing buttery sauce beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes are another fantastic pairing, offering a comforting contrast in texture. And if you’re truly embracing that Texas Roadhouse spirit, don’t forget some warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping! I promise you, once you taste this dish, it will become a regular in your rotation. Enjoy every rich, buttery bite!

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>
Well, my friends, we’ve reached the exciting culmination of our culinary journey! I genuinely believe that this recipe isn’t just another dish to add to your rotation; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. If you’ve been searching for that perfect weeknight meal that feels incredibly special without demanding hours of your precious time, then your search, my dear reader, ends here. This dish, with its rich, aromatic sauce and tender, perfectly cooked chicken, is an absolute game-changer. It brings together the warmth and comfort of home-cooked goodness with an undeniable touch of gourmet flair.

Imagine the sheer delight of a dish that effortlessly combines the savory depth of traditional butter chicken with a rustic, skillet-prepared charm. That’s precisely what you get with what I lovingly call our very own Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. It’s a bold statement, I know, but once you taste the succulent chicken bathed in that unbelievably flavorful, creamy sauce, imbued with just the right blend of spices, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about it. It’s comforting, it’s exciting, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory in the making, a dish that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds, guaranteed. The magic lies in the balance – a perfect symphony of tangy tomatoes, fragrant ginger and garlic, sweet onions, and a delicate blend of spices all mellowed by a touch of creaminess. It’s a dish that manages to feel both familiar and utterly new, promising to become a cherished favorite.

<h4>Elevating Your Plate: Serving Suggestions</h4>
Now, while this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is undoubtedly a star on its own, it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. I always recommend serving it alongside a generous helping of fluffy basmati rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. The simple elegance of plain rice allows the complex flavors of the chicken to truly pop, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying bite. However, don’t feel limited! There are so many wonderful ways to present and enjoy this dish.
<ul>
<li>Warm Naan Bread: Tearable, chewy naan is an absolute must-have for scooping up the luscious sauce. Garlic naan, in particular, adds another layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully, making each bite an experience.</li>
<li>Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent, comforting take, a side of creamy mashed potatoes provides a delightful texture contrast and acts as another fantastic vehicle for the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal.</li>
<li>Steamed Greens: A simple side of lightly steamed green beans, tender asparagus, or vibrant broccoli florets can add a refreshing crunch and a touch of vibrancy to the plate, cutting through the richness ever so slightly and adding essential nutrients.</li>
<li>Couscous or Quinoa:</in> For a lighter, healthier option, pearl couscous or fluffy quinoa can be excellent alternatives to rice, offering a different textural experience and absorbing the sauce wonderfully.</li>
<li>Crisp Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light, tangy vinaigrette can provide a wonderful palate cleanser between bites of the rich butter chicken, adding a welcome burst of freshness to your meal.</li>
</ul>

<h4>Making It Your Own: Creative Variations</h4>
Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this skillet dish is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment and let your culinary creativity shine!
<ul>
<li>Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, a pinch more cayenne pepper or a finely diced green chili added with the onions will give it an exhilarating kick. For a smoky heat, a touch of chipotle powder works wonders.</li>
<li>Creamier Consistency: For an even richer, more luxurious sauce, a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) right at the end will work wonders, creating an even silkier texture.</li>
<li>Veggie Boost: Stir in some fresh spinach until it wilts, add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, or incorporate diced bell peppers or even roasted cauliflower florets to sneak in extra vegetables and boost the nutritional content.</li>
<li>Different Proteins: While chicken breast is fantastic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can offer an even juicier, more tender result due to their higher fat content. You could even try succulent shrimp for a quicker cook time, making it an excellent weeknight option.</li>
<li>Garnish: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro not only adds vibrant color but also a burst of fresh flavor. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a cool, tangy counterpoint, or for textural intrigue, try a few toasted cashews or slivered almonds.</li>
</ul>

<h4>Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!</h4>
I am genuinely excited for you to experience the magic of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in your own home. It’s a recipe that has truly captured my heart, and I’m confident it will capture yours too. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor simple pleasures, to gather around the table with loved ones, and to enjoy truly fantastic food that you made with your own hands. There’s an incredible satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch, something that fills your home with incredible aromas and your family with joy, and this recipe delivers that feeling in spades.
So, please, don’t just read about it. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible dish a try this week. I promise you won’t regret it. It’s designed to be approachable yet impressive, making you feel like a culinary rockstar without the stress. And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience! Did you love it as much as I do? What variations did you try? Did you find a new favorite serving suggestion? Share your thoughts, your successes, and even your culinary experiments in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire not just me, but our entire community of food lovers. Let’s make some delicious memories together!
Happy cooking!