Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: An Irresistible, Easy Chicken Dinner!

Recipe Summary: This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious buttery garlic sauce. Combining melted butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, it recreates the signature flavor you love at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, this fast and easy chicken dinner recipe makes a hearty meal or a thoughtful easy dinner to take to someone. Simply sear the seasoned chicken, add garlic butter sauce, let it thicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over rice or crusty bread for a satisfying family favorite.

I live just outside of Asheville, North Carolina—right where the Blue Ridge Mountains cradle the land like an old friend. When I first tasted a home-cooked Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, nostalgia washed over me. My grandma in Indiana used to stir chicken and noodles without measuring a thing, and her kitchen rhythm lives on every time I make this skillet. With each bite of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, I remember her laughter, my first drum solo, and the thrill of learning knife skills in Chicago. Moreover, this skillet recipe fits into fast and easy chicken dinner recipes, easy quick chicken dinner ideas, and every easy chicken breast recipes for dinner list I write.

The Story & Inspiration Behind Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

A Personal Memory

Growing up in a small Indiana town, I stood on a milk crate beside my grandma’s stove. She never measured flour or butter, yet every spoonful tasted just right. Years later, as I toured the country with my blues band and cooked in busy restaurant kitchens, I chased that same feeling of effortless flavor.

One rainy evening in Chicago, I recreated a version of the famous Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet after a long shift. The warm kitchen, the sizzling butter, and the aroma of garlic brought me back to grandma’s house. That moment reminded me why I love chicken breast recipe ideas that feel both nostalgic and new.

Why This Recipe Matters

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet matters because it bridges simple comfort food and restaurant-quality flavor. It ranks among the best fast and easy chicken dinner recipes—perfect when you need dinner ideas for tonight or a foolproof easy dinner to take to someone who’s under the weather.

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Moreover, it showcases how basic ingredients—chicken breasts, butter, garlic, and Parmesan—can transform into a memorable meal. Whether you’re craving dinner chicken breast freshness or planning easy food recipe ideas for a busy week, this skillet stands out. In addition, it fits into balanced diets and busy lifestyles without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients & Instructions

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in cast-iron pan amateur photo

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a fast and easy chicken dinner recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts sear in garlic butter, then simmer in a creamy tomato sauce infused with spices. This easy chicken breast recipe uses pantry staples and minimal prep, making it an ideal easy dinner to take to someone in need. Serve over rice, noodles, or with naan for a cozy meal. Because it’s packed with protein and rich in flavor, this skillet dinner becomes a go-to dinner idea for tonight. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a memorable feast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • cooked rice or naan for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add 2 tbsp butter. Sear chicken strips until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to toast spices for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Then, stir in heavy cream and bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 34gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk and butter with vegan butter. To make it spicier, add cayenne or jalapeños. This meal freezes well and reheats beautifully.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet amateur photo
Fresh ingredients laid out casually for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Ingredients You Need for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts4 (about 1½ lbs)
Salt & pepperTo taste
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Unsalted butter4 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced4
Chicken broth½ cup
Heavy cream½ cup
Grated Parmesan cheese¼ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

  1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming.
  3. Add chicken breasts and sear 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet.
  5. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook 3–4 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece and simmer 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Step-by-step cooking Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet amateur style
Step-by-step amateur cooking photos for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Smart Swaps & Variations

If you prefer dark meat, swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Vegetarians can replace chicken with seared cauliflower steaks and vegetable broth.

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To boost flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also make it keto-friendly by skipping the broth and adding extra butter and cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad. Try serving it over garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb dinner idea.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Health Benefits of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This skillet delivers a hearty dose of protein from lean chicken breasts, supporting muscle repair and sustained energy levels. In addition, garlic contributes immune-boosting antioxidants, while parsley adds vitamin K and C for bone health. By using moderate amounts of butter and Parmesan, you still enjoy healthy fats and calcium without overloading calories.

Moreover, you can adapt this recipe for different dietary needs. Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fat and increase probiotics. Serve with whole grains or veggies to boost fiber intake. Overall, this dish balances indulgence and nutrition, making it suitable for both balanced-diet meal plans and low-carb lifestyles.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet served with sides amateur photo
Caption: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet served casually with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Conclusion

Whether you need dinner ideas for tonight or fast and easy chicken dinner recipes that impress, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet delivers. Its rich, buttery sauce and juicy chicken breasts bring comfort and flavor to your table. In addition, it’s flexible enough to adapt for keto, low-carb, or family-friendly meals. Embrace the simple magic of garlic, butter, and Parmesan and make this skillet part of your easy chicken breast recipes for dinner rotation. After one bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has a permanent place in my teaching kitchen and supper club.

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FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy. Adjust cooking time by a couple of minutes if needed.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce and prevent dryness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook chicken and sauce as directed, then cool and store in separate containers. Reheat together just before serving.

Is this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Definitely. Use cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower as a side and replace chicken broth with extra butter or cream to keep carbs low.

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