Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

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I remember the first time I tried Texas Roadhouse’s Butter Chicken Skillet — the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken completely won me over. It felt like a warm hug on a busy day, comforting and satisfying. Since then, I’ve wanted to recreate that same delicious dish at home, but with a simple, one-pan method that anyone can follow. This recipe captures the essence of that buttery, flavorful skillet meal without the wait or fuss. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or a quick weeknight fix, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

One-pan recipe: Easy to prepare and quick to clean up.
Rich, creamy sauce: Classic butter chicken flavor without complicated steps.
Juicy chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful meat in every bite.
Customizable spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference.
Versatile ingredients: Use what you have on hand or swap as needed.
Perfect for busy nights: Fast to make without sacrificing taste.
Comfort food with a twist: Familiar flavors in a skillet meal.

Ingredients Needed for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

To make this delicious Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create rich, comforting flavors:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
1 cup tomato sauce (preferably pure and smooth)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
1 teaspoon garam masala (or a mix of ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooked white rice or naan bread, to serve

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala.
Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, then sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add spices and tomato sauce: Sprinkle in the paprika, turmeric, cayenne (if using), and remaining garam masala. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until everything is combined.

Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add cream and chicken: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.

Heat through: Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the chicken soak up the sauce and warm through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the skillet before serving. Serve hot with steamed white rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Pro Tips and Variations for Butter Chicken Skillet

Use chicken thighs for juiciness: Thighs stay tender and flavorful, but you can swap with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Marinate for extra flavor: For deeper taste, marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Adjust spice level: If you like it milder, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add chili powder or fresh chopped chili.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free, creamy alternative.
Add veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or peas in the last few minutes for added nutrition and color.
One-pan shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time—just heat it in the sauce until warmed through.
Save leftovers: This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Looking for more? Check out these must-try chicken recipes:

Serving Suggestions for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up its rich, creamy sauce. Serve it over fluffy steamed white rice for a classic combo that never fails. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works just as well and adds a fresh twist.

Warm, buttery naan bread is another perfect choice — use it to scoop up every bit of that flavorful sauce. If you want to add a veggie side, roasted or sautéed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad can balance the richness of the dish nicely.

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice over the finished plate. It brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, vibrant note to every bite.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

What is the sauce in butter chicken made of?

The sauce in butter chicken is made from a blend of butter, tomato paste or sauce, heavy cream, garlic, onions, and a mix of spices like cumin and chili powder. It’s rich, creamy, and slightly tangy with a touch of spice.

What are the ingredients of buttered chicken?

Buttered chicken typically includes chicken breast or thighs, butter, onions, garlic, tomato paste, heavy cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like cilantro. Some versions may include yogurt or lemon juice for extra flavor.

What type of butter is used at Texas Roadhouse?

Texas Roadhouse uses a sweet cinnamon honey butter for their rolls, but for dishes like butter chicken, unsalted or lightly salted real butter is typically used for cooking to control the seasoning and flavor of the sauce.