Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken

This Texas Roadhouse-inspired butter chicken skillet transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The sweet and savory butter sauce creates that distinctive Texas Roadhouse flavor while keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.

I developed this recipe after trying to recreate the buttery magic of Texas Roadhouse chicken at home. After several attempts, my family now requests this weekly, often fighting over who gets to soak up the remaining sauce with dinner rolls.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Perfect for the flavorful sauce, with thighs offering more moisture and forgiveness if slightly overcooked
• Butter: Forms the luxurious base of the sauce; use quality unsalted for best flavor control
• Fresh minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth far superior to pre-minced varieties
• Chicken broth: Creates the savory foundation; look for low sodium options to control salt levels
• Honey: Adds that signature Texas Roadhouse sweetness; raw local varieties offer the most complex flavor
• Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and beautiful color; Hungarian sweet paprika works best here
• Dried parsley: Offers a pop of color and mild herbaceous notes
• Salt and cracked black pepper: Essential for layering flavors; use freshly cracked pepper for maximum impact
• Optional cheese: Adds richness, perfect for those who love a more indulgent finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Thoroughly coat both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika. Be generous with seasoning as this forms the foundation of flavor. Allow chicken to sit with seasoning for 5 minutes if time permits for better flavor penetration.

Sear to Perfection:

Heat your skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the pan. Place seasoned chicken in the skillet without overcrowding. Listen for that satisfying sizzle indicating proper temperature. Allow chicken to develop a golden crust before flipping, about 5 minutes per side. The chicken should release easily when ready to turn. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Using the same unwashed skillet with all those flavorful browned bits, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and watch carefully as it cooks for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden but never dark brown which would create bitterness.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the garlic butter mixture and immediately scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to incorporate all the caramelized bits. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor. Add honey and stir until fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to begin reducing.

Reunite and Simmer:

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece of chicken to glaze it. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken to a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth.

Optional Cheese Finish:

If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken pieces once the sauce has thickened. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts completely. The steam trapped under the lid will create a perfect melt without overcooking the chicken.

Final Garnish:

Sprinkle dried parsley over the entire dish just before serving for color contrast and a mild herb flavor. If using caramelized onions, arrange them over and around the chicken for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.

The honey in this recipe is truly transformative. I discovered its importance by accident when I ran out of brown sugar one evening and substituted honey instead. The result was a more complex, restaurant-like flavor that perfectly balances the savory elements of the dish.

Make-Ahead Options

This chicken reheats remarkably well making it perfect for meal prep. Prepare the entire dish up to two days ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth to revive the sauce. The flavors actually develop further after a day, creating an even more delicious result.

Perfect Pairings

The buttery sauce in this dish calls for sides that can complement without competing. Garlic mashed potatoes make an ideal companion, soaking up the extra sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, try roasted asparagus or green beans with a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness. Complete the Texas Roadhouse experience by serving with warm dinner rolls and cinnamon butter.

Customization Ideas

While the classic recipe is perfection, several variations have become family favorites in my home. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter sauce. Create a creamy version by stirring in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream during the final simmer. For a Mediterranean twist, add halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

This chicken dish combines the flavors of comfort and elegance in every bite, making it a recipe you'll return to time and time again.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often provide more flavor and moisture. They may require slightly longer cooking time (7-8 minutes per side) to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part - the meat should be completely white with no pink and the juices should run clear.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad. For a true Texas Roadhouse experience, serve with seasoned rice and steamed vegetables.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious. Omit the cheese topping or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened to your desired consistency.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken up through the searing stage and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the skillet, make the sauce, and finish cooking the chicken in the sauce. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.