Butter Chicken Skillet
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with bold and comforting flavors, this recipe is the answer. This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the richness of garlic, honey, and smoky paprika together in a buttery sauce that coats tender chicken breasts perfectly. Growing up in Orlando, my mama always said that butter makes everything better, and she was right. With just one skillet, you’ll create a dish that feels like comfort food but is still easy enough for a weeknight. This is one of my favorite easy chicken breast recipes for dinner, and I know you’ll love it too.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is quick and painless.
- Fast and flavorful: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this is one of those fast and easy chicken dinner recipes that feels gourmet without the fuss.
- Kid-friendly and versatile: The sweet and savory sauce appeals to everyone at the table, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
- Perfect for sharing: If you need an easy dinner to take to someone, this dish reheats beautifully and travels well.
- Naturally gluten-free: A delicious option that fits different dietary needs without any special adjustments.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner with juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich buttery sauce with garlic, honey, and smoked paprika. A comforting and gluten-free meal ready in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Add chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze, scraping browned bits.
4. Stir in the butter mixture and cook until smooth.
5. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, add heavy cream or coconut milk.
Add cayenne pepper for heat.
Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken breasts | Pound to even thickness for more consistent cooking. |
| Olive oil | Helps sear the chicken and adds a light fruity flavor. |
| Unsalted butter | Use unsalted so you can control the salt level. |
| Honey | Balances the smoky paprika with a touch of sweetness. |
| Garlic powder | Use fresh garlic if you want a stronger flavor punch. |
| Smoked paprika | Adds depth and a BBQ-style smokiness to the sauce. |
| Chicken broth | Deglazes the skillet and boosts the savory flavor. |
| Parsley | Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine butter, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Make the sauce: Stir the butter mixture into the broth and cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat the chicken: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors absorb.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
- Let chicken rest for 2 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they are very thick, so they cook evenly.
- Deglaze the pan well, those little browned bits are flavor gold.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Butter quality matters: Choose high-quality butter for a richer sauce.
- Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken sit undisturbed while cooking for a golden crust.
- Balance flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust with a bit more honey or salt if needed.
- Fresh garnish: Don’t skip parsley, it adds freshness and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Spicy kick: Stir in cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.
- Herb twist: Swap parsley for cilantro or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Low-carb pairing: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a light dinner.
Warm up your table with a bowl of Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Cooked chicken with sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this butter chicken skillet with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the sauce. A crisp side salad adds freshness and balances the richness. For presentation, use a cast iron skillet to serve at the table for a rustic touch.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a glass of Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with lime. A side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread completes the meal beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist. If using a microwave, cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring sauce in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Just adjust the cook time slightly since they may take a few minutes longer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
What side dishes go best with this chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even pasta pair well with the rich buttery sauce.
Can I make this in advance for guests?
Definitely. Prepare it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving. The flavors often deepen after sitting.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and allowing the chicken to rest before slicing.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer it longer until it thickens. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust the seasoning to taste. It’s a great option when cooking for a crowd.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 chicken breast with sauce |
| Calories | 295 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the perfect balance of simple and satisfying. Whether you need an easy quick chicken dinner idea or a flavorful dish to share, this recipe will become a weeknight favorite. Try it tonight and bring the bold, buttery flavors straight to your table.
