If you are craving that soul-warming, hearty meal that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate, then the Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes the beloved flavors of Southern comfort food and elevates them into a simple, one-pan wonder that’s bursting with buttery richness, smoky paprika, and just the right hint of garlic and onion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an easy yet impressive meal, this recipe blends classic Texas Roadhouse vibes with an effortless approach that will make your kitchen smell irresistible and your taste buds sing with delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Every item on the list is essential, bringing balance, flavor, and texture to this one-pan smash hit.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy cooking and juicy, tender meat every time.
- Olive oil: Provides a perfect searing base to lock in the chicken’s natural flavors while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter: Divided for cooking and creating a luscious, creamy sauce that’s signature Texas Roadhouse style.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory flavor profile, deepening the overall taste.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and that stunning Southern hue to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but necessary seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness to the skillet, transforming the browned bits into a delectable sauce.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash of brightness to cut through the buttery richness, if you like a fresh touch.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
How to Make Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry to ensure it sears nicely instead of steaming. Then evenly season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper – these spices come together to give that unmistakable Texas Roadhouse-inspired flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 2: Sear in Olive Oil and Butter
Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination helps develop a beautiful golden crust on the chicken, locking in its juices and layering flavors from both fat sources.
Step 3: Cook Chicken Until Golden and Done
Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. This step ensures the chicken stays tender and moist.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Pan Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter and chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan—this process, called deglazing, is where a lot of magic happens. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, and if you want a little zing, stir in some lemon juice.
Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Pop the chicken back in and spoon that rich, buttery sauce over each piece. Let everything mingle together and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors fully combine and the chicken stays juicy and saucy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to give your dish a fresh look and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve it hot right from the skillet for that warm, comforting vibe that this recipe promises.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe
Garnishes
Although the fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal brightness, you can also try thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for an extra pop both visually and flavor-wise. These simple additions keep the dish feeling vibrant and appetizing.
Side Dishes
This Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or even a hearty slice of baked mac and cheese. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to balance the richness with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or buttery cornbread to soak up every drop of that luscious pan sauce. For a fun twist, use the skillet as a centerpiece on your table, letting everyone help themselves—this taps into the homey, shared meal spirit that makes Southern comfort food so special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve the sauce’s flavor and the chicken’s juiciness without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portions so you can thaw just the right amount when needed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. You can also microwave leftovers covered, but heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer meat that is a bit more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version of the Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe is mild and buttery, perfect for all palates. If you want to add heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the other spices.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and use olive oil generously. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of salt can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that using broth adds a depth of flavor that water won’t provide.
How do I know the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be firm to the touch and juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug you want to make over and over again. It brings Southern charm, simplicity, and a grand burst of buttery, smoky flavor all in one quick and satisfying skillet meal. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favourite in your home kitchen, perfect for busy nights and casual gatherings alike.
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Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, onion, and paprika. Perfect for a quick and flavorful Southern-inspired meal, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and combine with the oil before adding the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs to the skillet. Sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice if desired for a subtle tang.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the buttery sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the dish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
