Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern / Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 cup caramelized onions; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons dried parsley (for garnish); 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives

Why make this recipe

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a fantastic dish that perfectly blends Southern charm with a hint of Mediterranean flair. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and delicious meal that is quick to prepare. It brings together juicy chicken, flavorful garlic, rich buttery goodness, and a touch of sweetness from honey. Plus, it can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal.

The great thing about this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different add-ins or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you serve it with a crusty bread or over a bed of rice, the flavors come together beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with satisfaction.

How to make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Making Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can master. With just a handful of ingredients and a skillet, you can create a meal that captures the essence of Texas Roadhouse dining. Here’s how to whip this up in no time.

Ingredients:

4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Thighs for richer flavor)
4 tablespoons butter (Can be replaced with olive oil)
4 cloves garlic (Fresh, minced)
1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons honey (For sweetness)
1 teaspoon paprika (For smokiness)
to taste salt (Essential for flavor)
to taste cracked black pepper (Essential for flavor)
1 cup caramelized onions (For sweetness)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (Optional)
2 tablespoons dried parsley (For garnish)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce (For spiciness)
1/2 cup heavy cream (For creaminess)
1 cup cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives (For a Mediterranean twist)

Directions:

Preparation Steps

Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you haven’t caramelized your onions yet, do that first in a separate skillet over low heat until they’re golden and sweet. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
Add Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and honey into the skillet. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Bring It All Together: Lower the heat and add back the cooked chicken. Pour in the heavy cream, adding richness to the dish, and mix well. Stir in the caramelized onions and cherry tomatoes, letting everything combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add Cheese and Finish: If you like cheesiness, add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Allow it to melt for about a minute, then sprinkle with parsley and cayenne pepper or hot sauce, if desired, for an extra kick.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is best served hot straight from the skillet. You can sprinkle extra parsley on top for garnish. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, over rice for a heartier meal, or even a fresh side salad for a lighter option. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and sweet caramelized onions creates a delightful dish that will leave everyone asking for more.

How to Store Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Let the chicken skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. If the sauce thickens during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating for the right consistency.

Tips to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs will give you a richer flavor and juicier texture, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer white meat.
Don’t Rush the Onions: Taking your time to caramelize the onions will enhance the flavors significantly. They add a wonderful sweetness that complements the chicken and sauce.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip the spice altogether.
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roast chicken, you can use that instead. Just add it to the skillet after sautéing the garlic to warm it through.
Experiment with Vegetables: Add different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Variation

For a Mediterranean twist, you can incorporate chopped spinach or instead of cheddar, use feta cheese for a saltier flavor. You can also swap in different herbs, like fresh basil or oregano, to complement the flavors in the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly can result in uneven cooking.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with olive oil and omit the heavy cream or substitute it with a non-dairy cream or coconut milk.

3. What should I serve with the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?

This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing, especially for the cream.

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a delicious recipe that combines ease and flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy a taste of Texas right in your kitchen!