Bring the bold comfort of a Texas Roadhouse classic straight to your kitchen with this indulgent Butter Chicken Skillet. It’s a flavorful, creamy, and cozy dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a luscious butter-parmesan sauce, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a warm, satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.
This dish is an invitation to slow down, gather at the table, and enjoy skillet-cooked comfort food at its finest.
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 a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
- Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
- Lemon wedges (for brightness)
Preparing the Chicken
Season the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated. This base seasoning locks in flavor and enhances browning.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. When the chicken turns golden and is almost cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Making the Creamy Butter Sauce
Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly for about 1 minute. The goal is to infuse the butter with spice and herb flavor.
Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and become thick and velvety.
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. The sauce should be creamy and cohesive, clinging to the back of your spoon. Adjust the seasoning here with a touch more salt or a pinch of extra thyme.
Bringing It All Together
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken and its juices to the skillet. Stir gently to coat every piece in the buttery sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating and flavor infusion. This final simmer finishes the cooking process and allows all the elements to harmonize.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the butter chicken hot, spooned over fluffy egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Squeeze fresh lemon over the top for brightness and balance. The acidity enhances the richness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Tips for Success
Use Quality Butter
Opt for high-quality unsalted butter. The richer the butter, the more decadent your sauce will be. Using unsalted also allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Watch the Heat
Don’t let the cream boil; keep it at a gentle simmer. High heat can cause the cream to separate or become grainy.
Protein Options
Chicken thighs work wonderfully for more juiciness. You can also try shrimp, tofu, or paneer for a variation.
Thicker Sauce?
Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes or whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water for an extra creamy consistency.
Fresh Herbs
Use fresh thyme or parsley when available—they elevate the flavor and make the dish taste brighter and more vibrant.
Nutritional Information (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
Flavorful Variations
Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for added heat.
Tex-Mex Twist
Stir in a small can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fusion twist.
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. The creamy sauce complements earthy vegetables just as well.
Cheesy Upgrade
Fold in a handful of shredded mozzarella or gouda before returning the chicken to the pan for an extra cheesy version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the dish reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try using plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of dairy. Note that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but still be creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, though the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. Stir it well while reheating to bring it back together.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives. For a milder taste, try shredded cheddar or a creamy cheese blend.
What sides go best with this dish?
Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this skillet chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet brings together everything you want in a home-cooked meal—creamy richness, bold flavor, and satisfying simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a cozy dinner for two, this one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.