If you are craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug in a skillet, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken swimming in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and fragrant spices that brighten every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance and bold flavors, perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing friends without stress. Trust me, once you try this skillet, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorite dishes to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets you up for a meal that bursts with flavor and has a luxurious texture. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the creaminess of heavy cream, the spice from curry powder, or the fresh brightness of cilantro as a finishing touch.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1/2 cup butter: The rich base that creates the silky sauce and adds deep flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture you’ll swoon over.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness with savory notes.
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts aromatic punch and savory warmth.
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced: A zingy counterpart to garlic that keeps the sauce vibrant.
- 2 tbsp curry powder: The star spice that delivers bold, comforting flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance every other ingredient.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Provides a fresh, herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial because the butter forms the silky base that will envelop all your ingredients with rich flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This not only locks in juiciness but also develops a lovely caramelized flavor on the chicken’s surface.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the freshly minced garlic and ginger, frying them for about a minute until fragrant. This quick step releases their aromatic oils, which infuse the butter and chicken with warmth and zest.
Step 4: Mix in the Spices
Sprinkle the curry powder and paprika over the chicken mixture, stirring well so every bite is infused with the spices’ vibrant color and earthiness. This is where the dish begins to take on its signature taste.
Step 5: Pour in the Cream and Broth
Slowly add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to blend everything together into a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken pieces.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Season the skillet with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the skillet before serving. The fresh herb adds an uplifting finish that balances the indulgent richness.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnish for this dish is a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Their bright, citrusy notes cut through the richness and add a pop of color that makes the skillet irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
Serve this buttery chicken skillet with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, giving a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual meal, scoop the skillet contents over baked potatoes or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic yet elegant presentation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken and sauce continue to deepen in flavor overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Just place cooled portions in sealed freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, and they hold up well to the creamy sauce in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has warmth from the curry powder and paprika, but it’s mild and comforting rather than hot. You can always add chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep that rich texture without dairy.
What’s a good alternative to fresh cilantro?
If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley works well, although it changes the flavor profile slightly. You can also skip the garnish altogether if preferred.
How long does it take to prepare?
The whole Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is pure joy on a plate. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. I encourage you to try it soon because it’s one of those dishes that just makes your kitchen feel like home the moment it starts simmering. Enjoy every buttery, spiced bite!
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet that’s bursting with bold flavors from garlic, ginger, curry powder, and paprika. This easy stovetop recipe combines tender diced chicken with a luscious butter and cream sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Finished with fresh cilantro, it’s a delightful twist on classic butter chicken, made quickly in one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, creating a rich base for the flavors to build upon.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Add spices: Sprinkle the curry powder and paprika over the chicken mixture, stirring well to evenly coat and release their vibrant flavors.
- Combine liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly, forming a luscious sauce.
- Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use diced chicken breast for tender, juicy bites, but chicken thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the curry powder quantity for more or less spiciness according to your preference.
- This skillet dish pairs excellently with rice, naan, or steamed vegetables.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding chicken to achieve a nice sear.
