Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss is the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel at home. Inspired by the rich, buttery flavors people love at Texas Roadhouse, this skillet meal delivers bold taste with minimal effort. It is creamy, savory, and deeply comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. I tested this recipe several times to get the balance just right, and the skillet method truly enhances the flavor by locking in moisture while allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility. It pairs effortlessly with rice, mashed potatoes, or warm bread, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. I once tried this with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and it still turned out wonderfully smooth. This is the type of recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated, which is exactly why it earns a permanent spot in my rotation.
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss: A Creamy Comfort Classic at Home
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and indulgent skillet-style butter chicken inspired by Texas Roadhouse flavors, featuring tender chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce with bold spices—perfect comfort food bliss.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté onions until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garam masala. Cook briefly to bloom spices.
- Add tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower heat and stir in cream and honey, mixing until smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, coating well with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, naan, or mashed potatoes.
- Adjust chili powder to control heat level.
- Cast iron skillet enhances flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken breast
Chicken breast provides a lean yet tender base for this skillet dish. When cooked properly, it absorbs the buttery sauce while staying juicy. Cutting it into even pieces ensures consistent cooking.
Butter
Butter is the heart of this recipe, delivering richness and that signature Texas Roadhouse-inspired flavor. Using real butter rather than substitutes makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Garlic
Garlic adds depth and aroma, balancing the richness of the butter. Freshly minced garlic works best, releasing its flavor gently as it cooks.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken. It thickens naturally and carries the seasoning evenly throughout the skillet.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth lightens the sauce slightly while enhancing the savory notes. It helps prevent the cream from becoming too heavy.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Finely grated cheese melts more smoothly into the skillet.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning brings a balanced blend of herbs that complements the butter and cream without overpowering the dish.
Salt
Salt enhances every component, from the chicken to the sauce. Adjust gradually to avoid oversalting.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by seasoning the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a portion of the butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it begins to thicken. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for a few more minutes until everything is well coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Variations and Customizations
This skillet recipe adapts easily to personal preferences. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach introduces extra texture and flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs can replace chicken breast and will add even more richness. For a lighter version, substitute part of the cream with milk, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Herb lovers can finish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for brightness. Serving it over pasta transforms it into a hearty main course, while pairing it with steamed vegetables keeps it lighter and balanced.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Golden Sear
Allow the chicken to brown properly before removing it from the skillet to develop deeper flavor.
Sauce Control
Simmer the sauce gently to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without separation.
Cheese Timing
Add Parmesan off high heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky finish.
Flavor Boost
Deglazing the pan with broth captures all the savory bits left behind by the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce simmering time to avoid drying it out.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread all pair well.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Cream-based sauces do not freeze well, so fresh storage is recommended.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is mild, but spice can be added if desired.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, though flavor will vary.
How do I thicken the sauce further?
Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of extra Parmesan.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Bliss is a rich, satisfying dish that brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients, a single skillet, and bold buttery flavor, it is a recipe you will reach for whenever you want something cozy, indulgent, and reliably delicious.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!