It was a chilly evening, and I was craving something hearty and comforting. As I scrolled through my recipe collection, I stumbled upon an old favorite – the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Just the thought of that rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken had my mouth watering. I knew I had to make it, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. There’s just something about the perfect balance of flavors that keeps us coming back for more. The velvety smooth sauce, the juicy chicken, and the burst of spices – it’s a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist.
As I started prepping the ingredients, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The aromas of the garlic, onion, and paprika filled the kitchen, and I knew I was in for a real treat. I mean, who doesn’t love a good skillet dish? It’s just so easy to throw everything together and let the flavors meld into something truly special.
Table of Contents
Why This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
What sets this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet apart is the way the flavors come together. It’s a delicate balance of rich, creamy, and subtly spiced that simply can’t be beaten. The secret lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the way they’re combined.
The chicken is the star of the show, of course. By cutting it into bite-sized cubes, you ensure that every bite is packed with juicy, tender goodness. And the blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish.
But the real magic happens with the addition of the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. The cream creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce, while the Worcestershire adds a subtle umami note that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, and you’re going to love it.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The chicken is the foundation of the dish, and cutting it into small pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This rich, creamy butter is the perfect complement to the chicken, adding a decadent mouthfeel to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to the velvety smooth sauce that coats the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This savory sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor that brings the whole dish together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder: These spices add a warm, aromatic base to the dish, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: These spices lend a gentle heat and a beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, umami-rich element that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: This fresh herb adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the whole dish.
Step-by-Step Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Instructions
Preparing Your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is quick and easy to prepare, with a total time of just 30 minutes. All you’ll need is a large skillet or cast-iron pan, a cutting board, and a sharp knife.
1- Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they’ll cook quickly and evenly throughout.
2- In the large skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the cubed chicken and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
3- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer; if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of heavy cream.
6- Serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are firm and free of any discoloration.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken. Cooking the chicken in batches, if necessary, will help it brown properly and prevent steaming.
- Keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers, stirring frequently to prevent it from scorching or curdling. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices. You can play around with the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne to suit your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Perfect Pairings for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, creamy sauce will soak into the starch, creating a truly indulgent experience.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing would be the perfect accompaniment. The crisp, refreshing greens will provide a nice contrast to the decadent chicken.
For a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root vegetables. The natural sweetness and caramelized edges will complement the savory flavors of the chicken skillet beautifully.
And don’t forget the drinks! A crisp, chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea would be the perfect beverages to enjoy with this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, which serves 4 people.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is that it’s easy to make ahead and store for later. After cooking, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, taking care not to overheat the sauce.
For longer-term storage, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Creative Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Variations
While the classic Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this delicious dish. For a seasonal twist, try adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the skillet. The natural sweetness will complement the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Swap out the paprika for a touch of curry powder or cumin for a more global flavor profile. Or try adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano for a fresh, herbal note.
If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet over a bed of cooked pasta or tortellini. The pasta will soak up all that delicious sauce, creating a truly satisfying dish.
Making Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet can easily be adapted to fit your needs. Instead of serving it over rice or pasta, try pairing it with roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad.
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the non-dairy alternatives may require a bit more simmering to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
For a vegan version, swap out the chicken for cubed tofu or seitan, and use a vegan butter substitute. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory, umami-rich flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A: Absolutely! The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet can easily be adapted to feature a different protein. You can use cubed pork, shrimp, or even diced firm tofu in place of the chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this dish in less than 30 minutes?
A: The total time for this recipe is 30 minutes, with 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. To shave off some time, you can purchase pre-cubed chicken breasts, which will eliminate the need for cutting the chicken. Additionally, you can prepare the spices and parsley ahead of time, so all you have to do is add them to the skillet.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?
A: Yes, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is perfect for making ahead of time. After cooking, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe serves 4 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more diners.
Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer, stirring frequently, to allow it to thicken up. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet. Tender chicken simmered in a velvety, butter-infused sauce makes for a mouthwatering and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
5. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
10. Serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
This recipe can be easily adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add more or less spices, or swap out the Parmesan for another type of cheese. For a creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and elevated.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is sure to delight. So why not give it a try? I promise, it’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!