Inspired by the rich and indulgent flavors of Texas Roadhouse, this Butter Chicken Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy butter sauce, and vibrant seasonings. It's comfort food at its finest—perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive weeknight meal. Gather 'round the table for some skillet bliss!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter richness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
- Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread (to soak up the sauce)
- Lemon wedges (for squeezing over the top)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butter Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, until thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated in the butter sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until fully cooked and heated through.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for dipping.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness before digging in.
Tips for Success
- Butter Quality : Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. You can always add a dash of salt later to control the seasoning.
- Sauce Thickness : For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Protein Swap : Substitute chicken thighs or shrimp for a different twist on this recipe.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Variations
- Spicy Kick : Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option : Replace the chicken with roasted mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Tex-Mex Twist : Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, and cilantro for a Southwestern-inspired take.
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is pure decadence in every bite—a celebration of creamy butter, savory herbs, and juicy chicken all cooked together in one pan. Grab your cowboy hat, gather the family, and savor this steakhouse-inspired delight right at home! π΄β¨