If you’re craving a dish that bursts with rich, buttery goodness and a perfect blend of spices, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is exactly what you need. This recipe is all about simplicity meeting sumptuous flavor, letting every bite invite you to Savor the Flavor in a way that feels comforting and downright irresistible. The tender chicken pieces embrace a creamy, cheesy sauce with a touch of smoky and spicy notes, making it a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this skillet guarantees to become a fast favorite on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves how simplicity can give rise to incredible flavor. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of taste, creaminess, and a lovely pop of color that brightens the dish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking, these provide a tender and juicy base.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds rich creaminess and helps build the decadent sauce texture.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic depth that’s essential here.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile, balancing the spices beautifully.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a pleasant smoky warmth that makes this dish unforgettable.
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a hint of heat to Savor the Flavor even more.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and rounding out the spices.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Creates the base of the silky sauce and lifts the flavors from the skillet.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): For that creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the chicken to perfection with a golden crust.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, buttery goodness that’s pure comfort.
Sliced green onions (optional): Lovely for garnish to add a mild onion flavor and freshness.

How to Make Savor the Flavor

Step 1: Season Chicken

Begin by tossing those bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper if you want some heat, plus salt and black pepper. This blend is where the dish really starts to take shape, making sure every morsel is packed with that magic that makes you want to Savor the Flavor with every bite.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Next, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and let them cook until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. This searing step locks in the juices and builds a delicious texture contrast. Once done, set the chicken aside and get ready to whip up the sauce.

Step 3: Make Sauce

In that same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter along with the chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom because they are pure flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. These steps create a silky-smooth sauce that’s the heart of this dish, the perfect vehicle to Savor the Flavor in each tender chicken piece.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Slowly incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into that luscious sauce. Watching it melt and thicken is like seeing the dish come alive — rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, beckoning you to the table.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the buttery, cheesy goodness. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes so all those flavors marry beautifully. This final simmer is your moment to truly Savor the Flavor as the dish finishes cooking and the sauce clings lovingly to each piece.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and optional sliced green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet piping hot alongside your go-to mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or warm dinner rolls — the perfect trio that turns this meal into a soul-warming feast.

How to Serve Savor the Flavor

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley and sliced green onions brings a bright, fresh contrast to the buttery richness, layering texture and color that make every bite memorable. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and invite you to Savor the Flavor in every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the heavenly sauce, steamed rice for a lighter balance, or soft, warm dinner rolls that are ideal for mopping up every bit of that cheesy, buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over roasted vegetables or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep things fresh and light. You can also plate it in rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy, homestyle feel that makes Savor the Flavor that much more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Savor the Flavor chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal just as enjoyable as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps retain the sauce’s silky consistency and ensures you continue to Savor the Flavor with every reheated bite.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds a wonderful sharpness and creaminess, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit more spice that complements the seasoning.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat to your preference by cutting back or leaving out the cayenne altogether.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully here and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. Adjust seasoning to keep that perfect balance for Savor the Flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check the spices and broth you use to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal — it’s an invitation to slow down and Savor the Flavor of comfort food at its finest. With simple ingredients coming together in a luscious, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, give it a try and share the love around your table!

Savor the Flavor Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe combines juicy bite-sized chicken pieces with a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce infused with smoky and spicy flavors. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, best served with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the luscious sauce.

Instructions

Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these will add depth to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it to coat in the buttery, cheesy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley and optional sliced green onions over the top of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or warm dinner rolls for a truly satisfying meal.

Notes

For extra heat, do not omit the cayenne pepper, or add more according to your preference.
Make sure to scrape the browned bits from the skillet when making the sauce to boost flavor.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or warm dinner rolls to make the meal complete.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American