Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

I recently tried a copycat recipe of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet that a friend shared with me. To my surprise, it turned out very close to the one served at the restaurant.

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The chicken was soft, the sauce was buttery, and it all came together in one skillet, which made it simple to prepare at home.

This dish is perfect for nights when you want something rich and comforting without too much effort.

I like serving it for dinner with warm bread or rice, and it always feels satisfying. It’s a homestyle meal that still has that restaurant-style taste.

Quick Recipe Info

Feature	Details
Calories (per serving)	~480 kcal
Protein	~34 g
Carbs	~9 g
Fats	~32 g
Gluten-Free	Yes (if using GF soy sauce)
Vegan	No
Dairy-Free	No (contains butter & cream)
Cuisine	American comfort food

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Copycat version of the Texas Roadhouse classic.
• Buttery, creamy sauce with tender chicken.
• Easy one-skillet cooking for less mess.
• Simple ingredients with big flavor.
• Works for family meals or casual gatherings.
• Pairs well with rice, bread, or veggies.
• Comfort food that’s quick to make at home.

Ingredients to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

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To make this copycat recipe at home, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Each one adds flavor and texture to create that rich, buttery dish just like the one served at Texas Roadhouse.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – 1 ½ pounds (boneless, skinless)
  These are the main protein of the dish. Cut them into even pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender.
• Butter – ½ cup (1 stick, unsalted)
  The key to that creamy, rich flavor. Butter also gives the sauce its silky texture.
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
  Creates the creamy base for the skillet sauce. It balances the butter and keeps the dish smooth.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
  Adds depth and aroma to the skillet, giving it that signature restaurant-style flavor.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon
  A warm spice that enhances the chicken and adds mild color.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
  Helps bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  Adds a light kick and balances the creaminess.
• Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  Gives a touch of umami and rounds out the flavor. Use gluten-free if needed.
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  Brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herby finish.
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  Used for searing the chicken so it gets a nice golden crust before simmering in the sauce.

Steps to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

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Cooking this recipe is straightforward, and everything comes together in one skillet. Here’s how to prepare it at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into medium-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture—this helps the chicken sear nicely. Season the pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika so they’re flavorful before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as that can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring to combine everything into a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the buttery sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish. The bright green adds freshness and a little color. Serve the butter chicken skillet hot with your choice of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or warm bread.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe (Slow Cooker Version)

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Making this dish in the slow cooker is a great way to let the flavors deepen while saving yourself hands-on cooking time. The chicken turns out extra tender, and the buttery garlic sauce develops a rich, comforting taste.

Ingredients (same as skillet version, with slight adjustments):

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more juiciness)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Optional Sear for Flavor
   Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional but adds extra depth.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker
   Place the chicken into the slow cooker. Scatter minced garlic over the top, then add paprika, pepper, and salt.
3. Add Butter and Sauce Ingredients
   Place butter pieces evenly over the chicken. Pour in heavy cream and soy sauce.
4. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Finish and Serve
   Stir the sauce well before serving to bring everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

What to serve with Texas Roadhouse butter chicken?

Rice
Rice is one of the easiest and most versatile pairings for butter chicken. The fluffy grains soak up the rich, buttery sauce, making every bite satisfying. White or jasmine rice is classic, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice works well if you want a lighter option.

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Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are another perfect match. The smooth texture pairs beautifully with the chicken, creating a hearty and comforting plate. Garlic mashed potatoes can add even more flavor and depth to the meal.

Fresh Bread or Rolls
Soft rolls, like the famous Texas Roadhouse ones, are a natural choice. They’re perfect for dipping into the sauce and scooping up the chicken. If you don’t have rolls, crusty French bread or garlic bread also works wonderfully.

Pasta or Noodles
For a twist, butter chicken can be served over egg noodles or fettuccine. The creamy sauce coats the pasta just like an Alfredo, turning the skillet into a satisfying pasta-style dinner.

Vegetables
Roasted or steamed vegetables help balance the richness of the dish. Broccoli, green beans, and carrots add texture and color, while lighter options like asparagus or creamed spinach keep the meal fresh and wholesome.

Salad
A fresh salad provides a crisp contrast to the buttery sauce. A simple garden salad with vinaigrette keeps things light, while a Caesar salad offers a richer, more indulgent side.

Drinks
Pairing the meal with a good drink can enhance the experience. Sweet tea, tea shots like pink tea shot, or lemonade adds refreshing balance, while a glass of light white wine can bring out the richness of the sauce.

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Tips

Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy. This small step makes a big difference in texture.

Don’t rush the searing process. A good golden crust adds flavor and keeps the chicken from tasting bland.

When making the sauce, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the garlic or splitting the cream. Gentle simmering is key.

Use fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color and freshness. It brightens the whole dish without overpowering it.

Recipe Variations

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You can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Thighs hold up well in creamy sauces.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper. This gives the dish a little kick without overwhelming it.

Vegetable lovers can stir in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. These soak up the sauce beautifully and add more texture.

If you want a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. It won’t be as rich, but still creamy and tasty.

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How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s smoothness.

You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just use short intervals and stir often to avoid drying out the chicken.

This recipe doesn’t freeze well because the creamy sauce may split. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Meal Prep Tips for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken

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One of the best ways to save time with this recipe is to prep the chicken in advance. Cut the chicken into even pieces or pound it to an even thickness the night before. Store it in the fridge with a light seasoning of salt and pepper so it’s ready to cook when you are.

You can also pre-make the garlic butter sauce. Mix melted butter, garlic, soy sauce, and spices in a jar, then keep it refrigerated. When it’s time to cook, just pour it over the chicken and add cream to finish the sauce.

If you’re planning to use the slow cooker method, you can place the chicken, garlic, spices, and butter directly into the insert the night before. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply set it in the cooker, add cream, and turn it on.

To make serving quicker, prepare your sides ahead of time. Cook a batch of rice or mash potatoes the day before and reheat them while the chicken is finishing. Fresh vegetables like broccoli or beans can be chopped in advance and steamed quickly at mealtime.

For busy weeks, portion the cooked butter chicken into meal prep containers with rice or veggies. Store in the fridge for up to three days, and you’ll have ready-to-heat lunches or dinners with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s creamy and mild. You can add chili flakes or cayenne if you’d like more heat.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or bread are the most popular. They soak up the buttery sauce perfectly.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking. Frozen chicken may release too much water in the skillet.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is rich, creamy, and simple to make. It brings the flavors of the restaurant right into your kitchen.

Everything comes together in one skillet, making it easy for busy nights. You’ll love how comforting and flavorful it tastes. Do not forget to try my most favorite One Skillet Garlic Butter Steak and Cheese Ravioli Recipe.

Whether you serve it with rice, bread, or vegetables, it always feels special. It’s the kind of meal that makes family dinners memorable.

Try it once, and it may become one of your go-to recipes. Simple steps, classic flavors, and a buttery sauce that never disappoints.