If you’ve ever stepped into a Texas Roadhouse and ordered the famed Butter Chicken Skillet, you know that the combination of tender chicken and that buttery honey glaze can make your taste buds do a happy dance.
I first recreated this dish in my kitchen after a visit, where the sizzling sound of the chicken hitting the hot skillet reminded me of family dinners around the table, where food wasn’t just a meal but a moment of connection. The flavors in this dish bring warmth and comfort, with the richness of the butter balancing perfectly with the subtle sweetness of honey, all while offering a crispy sear that adds texture to every bite.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine on its own, yet the combination is so satisfying that it becomes more than just dinner—it becomes an experience. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, yet how impressive it looks when you serve it.
If you’re looking to add a little bit of that Texas Roadhouse magic to your dinner table, this Butter Chicken Skillet is just what you need.
Short Description
This easy-to-make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet combines juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts with a sweet and savory honey-butter glaze. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.
Key Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Small bowl for mixing the butter sauce
- Meat thermometer (optional, but useful for checking chicken doneness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of each breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect, juicy chicken.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened butter with honey in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture will melt and coat the chicken, infusing it with sweetness and richness.
Step 4: Add the Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the honey-butter sauce into the skillet over the chicken, spooning it over the breasts for an even coating.
Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Quick: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Full of Flavor: The honey-butter sauce adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Versatile: Serve it with various sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Healthier Twist: You can enjoy all the deliciousness of a restaurant favorite, but with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into it.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Undercooking the chicken
Solution: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Mistake 2: Butter sauce separating
Solution: Make sure to add the butter sauce to the chicken on low heat and stir gently to help it coat the chicken without separating.
Mistake 3: Overcrowding the pan
Solution: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent proper searing. The chicken needs space to cook evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice. The rich butter sauce makes these simple sides feel indulgent.
Pair with: A light white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness of the chicken.
Serving style: This dish works well plated individually or served family-style for a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain the chicken’s moisture, reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat with a small splash of chicken broth to keep it tender.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, so feel free to swap them in.
2. What can I substitute for honey?
If you prefer a sugar-free alternative, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. These will still give you that sweet balance with the butter.
3. Can I make the butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up before adding it to the chicken.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with thick slices of tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative. Make sure to press out any moisture from the tofu before cooking.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
While the chicken can be frozen, the texture of the butter sauce may change upon thawing. For best results, I recommend freezing the chicken separately from the sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Crispier chicken: For an extra crispy crust, sear the chicken on medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, then reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking.
Sweetness balance: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste, adding more for a sweeter dish or less for a more savory finish.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Honey Butter Chicken: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the butter-honey sauce for a refreshing citrus twist that cuts through the richness.
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy-sweet combination that adds an extra kick.
Herb-Infused Butter: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter for an herbal flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is no exception—easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone at the table. The buttery sweetness from the honey combined with the savory, crispy chicken is a perfect balance that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Perfect for a special occasion or just because you want something that feels like a treat, it’s a dish that will have you coming back for seconds. I truly love how simple it is yet so rewarding—both in terms of flavor and how much joy it brings to the dinner table. Every bite is a reminder of how delicious simplicity can be, and I can’t wait for you to experience it yourself.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional, for added flavor
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour the honey-butter sauce over the chicken, spooning it to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
