Introduction
Oh, friends, if you’ve ever dreamed of bringing that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth Texas Roadhouse butter chicken to your own kitchen, this is your lucky day! This skillet recipe is absolute magic. Imagine perfectly tender, seasoned chicken breasts swimming in a rich, velvety, garlicky butter sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to drink it. It’s one of those easy chicken breast recipes for dinner that tastes like a fancy restaurant meal but is incredibly simple to make in one pan, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s the ideal balance of indulgent flavor and an unbelievably fast, easy dinner.
Serving Versatility
This is one of the best chicken supper ideas because it’s so versatile! The rich, buttery sauce is begging to be sopped up. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. For a low-carb option, just pair it with a simple side salad or roasted green beans.
Full Recipe Section
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes Total time: 25-30 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness (this helps them cook evenly and quickly!). Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Start Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Do not let the garlic burn!
- Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Get Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until it slightly thickens.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Fabulous: This is one of the best “fast and easy chicken dinner recipes” you’ll find, ready in under 30 minutes!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have, making it a great “meat for dinner” option.
- Big, Cozy Flavor: That garlicky, buttery, savory sauce is pure comfort and mimics the famous restaurant flavor.
- Easy Dinner Ideas Gluten Free: Naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for many dietary needs.
- Simple Weeknight Dinner Ideas: So quick and easy, it’s perfect for when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This recipe is a tribute to the “steakhouse butter bath” technique, often used for steaks, but here applied to chicken. The key is to create a rich, infused butter sauce directly in the pan where the chicken was seared. This allows us to capture all those delicious browned chicken bits (called “fond”) and turn them into the foundation of a flavorful, velvety sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Texas Style: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
- Over Rice: A bed of fluffy white rice is perfect for soaking up all that incredible butter sauce.
- Low-Carb: Pair it with a simple side salad, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower rice.
- With Rolls: Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls to dip into the extra sauce!
Pro Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This is crucial for even cooking and tender chicken. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) to keep them juicy.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast! Add it after removing the chicken, and stir constantly for only about 30-60 seconds.
- Scrape the Pan: When you add the chicken broth, use a wooden spoon or whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor to your sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Closing Paragraph
I am so excited for you to try this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe! It truly delivers on big, restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for “dinner ideas for tonight” that everyone will rave about. If you try it, please leave a comment and a rating below!
🎀 Final Thoughts
This is my go-to when I want a super indulgent-feeling meal without actually leaving the house. That buttery garlic sauce just makes everything better! It’s pure comfort food at its finest, and I hope it brings a little bit of that Texas Roadhouse magic to your dinner table.