When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Known for its mouthwatering combination of tender chicken and a decadent buttery sauce, this dish has become a favorite for many home cooks. This recipe aims to recreate the delicious experience of dining at Texas Roadhouse, bringing the flavors of their signature butter chicken straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is as comforting as it is impressive.
What Makes Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Special?
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a standout in its category due to the following factors:
- Creamy Butter Sauce: The combination of butter and heavy cream creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is seared to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
- Rich Flavor: With the added garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan, every bite is packed with deep, savory flavors.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized chunks.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – the heart of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – for a rich, smooth sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic – minced, for a burst of aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – adds depth and helps balance the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – to add a hint of freshness and cut through the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika – for a warm, smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – optional, for heat.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a fragrant herb that complements the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – for seasoning.
- Salt – to taste, enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds a cheesy depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – optional, for thickening the sauce if needed.
- Chopped parsley and green onions – for garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Preparation of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Creating this dish is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to make your very own Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces: This allows the chicken to cook more evenly and ensures it absorbs the flavor of the sauce.
- Season generously: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and a little garlic powder to enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Set the chicken aside once cooked. This will allow the chicken to retain its juices and tenderness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butter Sauce
- Melt the butter in the same skillet, letting it coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be cautious not to burn it.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse them into the sauce.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
- Add lemon juice, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the sauce. Stir well to integrate the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
- Optional: Thicken the sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and adding it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Variations of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to give it your personal twist.
1. Add Vegetables
- Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Spinach: Wilted spinach adds a nice earthy flavor and color.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring a savory umami flavor that complements the chicken and sauce.
2. Spice it Up
- Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use a hot sauce or chili flakes to bring a zesty flavor to the dish.
3. Try Different Cheeses
- Mozzarella: A melty addition for a cheese pull effect.
- Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar for a more intense, cheesy flavor.
4. Serve with a Twist
- Zucchini noodles: For a low-carb alternative, swap out regular pasta with zucchini noodles.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: These add a slight sweetness and texture to balance the richness of the dish.
Cooking Notes for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking can result in dry chicken. Ensure it’s just cooked through, as it will continue to cook once added to the sauce.
- Stir occasionally: While the chicken simmers in the sauce, stir every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you find the sauce too thick, add more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer or use cornstarch to thicken it.
- Add extra flavors: For more depth, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Mashed Potatoes
- The creamy butter sauce will complement the richness of mashed potatoes perfectly.
- Try making garlic mashed potatoes for added flavor.
2. Steamed Rice
- Serve with white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option.
3. Fresh Bread
- A loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping in the buttery sauce.
4. Grilled Vegetables
- A side of grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts adds a nice balance to the creamy chicken.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes for prep.
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes.
Total Time:
- 40 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
For one serving of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you can expect the following nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in fat?
To make this recipe lighter, you can use light cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for chicken breast instead of thighs. You can also use less butter.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because of the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken separately and make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely! Feel free to add steamed broccoli, spinach, or any vegetables you enjoy. They’ll complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a delectable and comforting dish that brings the magic of Texas Roadhouse to your kitchen. With its creamy, buttery sauce and juicy chicken, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, the rich flavors will make it a favorite in your household.
By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this restaurant-inspired dish and impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – we promise it’s worth the effort!