Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken

This tender, juicy butter chicken skillet has become my weeknight dinner hero. Perfectly seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with just a touch of honey sweetness create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

I first created this recipe when trying to replicate Texas Roadhouse's buttery chicken flavor. After several attempts, my family now requests it weekly, often fighting over who gets to soak up the last bit of sauce with bread.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: selecting thinner cuts helps them cook more evenly
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: fresh garlic provides significantly more flavor than powder
• 4 tbsp butter, divided: use unsalted to control the saltiness of your final dish
• 1 cup chicken broth: adds depth and creates the perfect consistency for the sauce
• 2 tbsp honey: balances the savory elements with gentle sweetness
• 1 tsp paprika: adds beautiful color and mild smoky notes to both chicken and sauce
• 1 tsp dried parsley: provides color contrast and a mild herbaceous note
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste: freshly cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional): adds creamy richness when melted over the hot chicken
• Caramelized onions (optional): offers sweet depth if you have extra time

How To Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Season the Chicken:

Generously sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika. Be sure to season evenly across the entire surface for consistent flavor in every bite. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the spices to adhere properly.

Sear the Chicken:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly but not brown. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook until deeply golden on the first side about 5 minutes before flipping. Cook the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F approximately 5 to 6 minutes more. The chicken should have a beautiful golden crust. Transfer to a clean plate.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Using the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become aromatic but remain light in color.

Build the Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor. Add honey and stir until fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes to begin reducing and thickening.

Finish the Chicken:

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet placing them directly in the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece several times to coat thoroughly. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce reduces by about one third and becomes slightly syrupy. The chicken will continue absorbing flavors during this time.

Add Optional Toppings:

If using cheese sprinkle it evenly over the chicken pieces while the skillet is still hot. Cover with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts completely. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley and caramelized onions if using.

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The honey in this recipe is my secret weapon. While many butter chicken recipes rely on heavy cream for richness, I discovered that a small amount of honey creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken while enhancing the butter's natural sweetness. My husband claims he can always tell when I've skipped it, which I learned after trying to reduce sugar in our meals one night.

Sauce Variations

The beauty of this basic butter sauce is how adaptable it becomes with just a few additions. For an Italian twist, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and finish with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan. For a spicy Cajun version, add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne to the initial chicken seasoning. My personal favorite variation includes adding 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tang that complements the honey beautifully.

Side Dish Suggestions

This versatile chicken pairs wonderfully with numerous sides. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes that soak up the buttery sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or asparagus provides a fresh contrast to the rich chicken. Rice pilaf works beautifully to capture every drop of sauce. For a true Texas Roadhouse experience, pair with their famous rolls and cinnamon butter. I typically serve this with roasted red potatoes and green beans for a complete family meal.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter in the sauce helps keep the chicken moist even after refrigeration. For best reheating results, place chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwave reheating when possible as it can make the chicken tough. This dish does not freeze well due to the butter-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a perfect substitute. They may take slightly longer to cook due to their higher fat content but offer a juicy result.

→ What can I use instead of honey in the sauce?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or a sweetener of your choice for a similar flavor profile.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken skillet pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace butter with a dairy-free alternative such as plant-based butter or olive oil for a similar taste and texture.