Is This the Most Addictive Butter Chicken Recipe Ever?
What if I told you that the secret to unbelievably creamy, flavor-packed chicken isn’t in a fancy sauce—but in a sizzling skillet, just like Texas Roadhouse would do it? Meet your new go-to dinner: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. This isn’t your average Indian butter chicken—it’s bold, smoky, garlicky, and buttery with that signature Southern charm. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or impressing the family, this dish brings restaurant-style flair to your kitchen in under 45 minutes.
Let’s dive into what makes this skillet sizzle with flavor.
🛒 Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (juicier than breast, but feel free to sub in breast if you prefer)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds depth, trust me!)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps:
- Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a dairy-light option.
- Try ghee instead of butter for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
⏱️ Timing
This butter chicken skillet doesn’t just taste fast—it is fast!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
⚡ That’s 30% quicker than most creamy chicken skillet recipes online, without compromising a bit on flavor!
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for the best sear.
🧄 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then toss in the garlic and onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
🧈 Step 3: Create the Creamy Butter Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly (around 5-6 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is the soul of your skillet.
🍗 Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet
Add the chicken back into the pan. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens into velvety heaven.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to cut the richness.
🧮 Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
📊 Data based on chicken thighs and full-fat cream. Adjust based on your ingredient swaps!
💡 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want a lighter take on this indulgent classic?
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk (unsweetened).
- Use chicken breast for a leaner cut.
- Reduce butter by half and use olive oil.
- Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of mashed potatoes or pasta.
You can also toss in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to up the veg factor without sacrificing flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is versatile and perfect for:
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes – because more creamy is more better.
- 🍞 Garlic bread or warm naan to scoop every drop.
- 🍚 Rice or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free twist.
- 🥗 Side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.
Make it a Texan feast by pairing with grilled corn or Southern green beans!
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a great recipe can go south—don’t fall for these traps:
- Skipping the sear – That crust = flavor!
- Using cold cream – Let it sit at room temp for 10 mins to avoid curdling.
- Overcooking the chicken – Use a thermometer (165°F = done).
- Not reducing the sauce enough – Let it simmer to thicken and concentrate flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
Got leftovers? This dish stores like a dream.
- 🧊 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- ❄️ Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- 🔄 To Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet on low, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
🙌 Ideal for meal prep—make once, enjoy twice!
✅ The Final Sizzle
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet combines Southern comfort with creamy decadence in one quick, soul-satisfying recipe. It’s rich, buttery, and perfect for impressing without the stress.
Try it tonight—and don’t forget to leave a comment below or rate the recipe. Subscribe to our newsletter for more weeknight wonders!
❓ FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
You can! Just shred it and add it to the sauce in Step 4. Reduce simmering time to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. If you want heat, toss in red pepper flakes or cayenne with the seasoning mix.
What skillet should I use?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for that Texas Roadhouse-style sear and even cooking, but any oven-safe skillet works.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is big enough so the chicken cooks evenly.