There are some weeknights when the clock seems to spin faster than a toddler on a sugar high. Between school pickups, soccer practice, and homework help, getting a delicious dinner on the table can feel like a monumental task. On one of those chaotic Tuesdays, I found myself staring into the fridge, completely uninspired.
My kids were begging for our favorite restaurant meal, and honestly, so was I. That’s when the idea struck me. What if I could bring that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth flavor home?
Iโm talking about that iconic, cinnamon-honey butter goodness. That was the moment this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet was born. It combines the juicy, savory chicken we all love with a glorious, buttery sauce inspired by those famous rolls.
This one-pan wonder has since become our family’s go-to meal, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the wait or the bill. This incredible Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is pure comfort in a pan, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a weeknight game-changer. If you’re looking for a dish that will have the whole family cleaning their plates, this is it. The combination of simple ingredients and incredible flavor makes this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet a guaranteed winner. Hereโs why youโll fall in love with it:
- One-Pan Wonder: First and foremost, cleanup is an absolute breeze. Everything cooks up in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. Who doesn’t love that?
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Furthermore, you can get this entire meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you need something fast, satisfying, and delicious. This quick butter chicken skillet saves the day.
- Restaurant Flavor at Home: You can skip the takeout! This copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet delivers all the comforting, savory-sweet flavors you crave from the famous restaurant, right in your own kitchen. It’s an indulgence that feels special but is secretly so easy to make.
- Kid-Approved: The slightly sweet and savory sauce is a huge hit with kids. The tender chicken and creamy butter sauce make this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet a dish even the pickiest eaters will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet comes from a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The star of the show is the homemade cinnamon honey butter, which perfectly coats the juicy chicken. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking. |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | For searing the chicken. |
| Salted Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Softened to room temperature. This is key for the butter sauce. |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Adds that signature sweetness. |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/4 cup | Helps create a smooth, creamy butter sauce. |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | The warm spice that makes the butter so unique. |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning the chicken. |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp | Adds depth of flavor to the chicken. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste | Season the chicken generously. |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness. |
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is how easily you can adapt it. Whether you need to swap an ingredient or just want to try something new, here are a few ideas to make this Roadhouse butter chicken your own.
- Chicken: If you prefer darker meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this skillet chicken recipe. They are extra juicy and flavorful. You could also try this with pork tenderloin, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
- Make it Spicy: For those who like a little heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce. This creates a wonderful sweet and spicy flavor profile for your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Add Veggies: To boost the nutrition, feel free to add some vegetables. Sautรฉ some diced onions and bell peppers before you cook the chicken. You can also toss in some steamed broccoli or green beans at the end until they are warmed through.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make a dairy-free version of this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick. Ensure it’s the kind that is solid at room temperature for the best results in the sauce.
- Sweetener Swap: If you prefer, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, sweet flavor in your butter chicken skillet sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create the most amazing skillet dinner? Follow these simple steps to make your very own Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Itโs easier than you think!
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Butter: First, let’s make the star of the show. In a medium bowl, combine the softened salted butter, honey, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy fork to whip everything together until it’s light, fluffy, and well combined. Set this glorious mixture aside. This is the heart of your copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Season the Chicken: Next, pat your chicken breast cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear in the pan. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here!) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pan in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the Sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add about half of your prepared cinnamon honey butter mixture to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently, allowing the butter to melt and create a rich, glossy sauce that coats every piece of chicken. This is where the magic happens for your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the chicken and sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve your delicious Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet immediately. I recommend serving it with the remaining cinnamon honey butter on the side for dipping!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every single time, here are a few of my go-to tips from one home cook to another. These little tricks make a big difference!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For that perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken, itโs essential to cook it in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet. If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in two batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. This is a crucial step for the best skillet chicken.
- Use Softened, Not Melted, Butter: When making the cinnamon honey butter, make sure your butter is at room temperature and soft, but not melted. This allows you to whip it into a light, fluffy consistency. Melted butter will result in a greasy, separated sauce. This tip is key for an amazing Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, always use a paper towel to pat the chicken pieces completely dry. Removing the excess moisture is the secret to achieving a beautiful, crispy sear and prevents the chicken from stewing in its own juices.
- Scrape Up the Browned Bits: After searing the chicken, you’ll notice little browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These are called “fond” and they are packed with flavor! When you add the cinnamon honey butter, use a wooden spoon to scrape them up and incorporate them into the sauce for extra depth. This elevates your Roadhouse butter chicken skillet.
Storage & Reheating Tips
One of the great things about this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is that leftovers are just as delicious the next day! Hereโs how to store and reheat it properly to enjoy it again.
Storage: Allow the skillet chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Storing it properly ensures it stays fresh and flavorful.
Reheating: For the best results, I recommend reheating this dish in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chicken and a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to keep it from drying out. Heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, but the skillet method helps maintain the best texture for your leftover Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
Freezing: You can also freeze this dish! Once cooled, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different sides. You can create a full, satisfying meal that feels like you’re dining out. Here are some of our family’s favorite accompaniments for this wonderful butter chicken skillet recipe.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra cinnamon honey butter sauce. It’s a classic comfort food pairing that never disappoints.
- Fluffy Rice: A simple side of steamed white or brown rice is another excellent option to serve with your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Itโs a simple base that lets the flavors of the chicken shine.
- Roasted Vegetables: To add some green to your plate, try serving this dish with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. A little olive oil, salt, and pepper is all they need.
- Dinner Rolls: Of course, you can’t have a Texas Roadhouse-inspired meal without some warm, fluffy dinner rolls! They are perfect for dipping in that incredible sauce. Use the extra cinnamon honey butter you set aside!
- Simple Green Salad: For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast that balances the richness of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use the pre-made Texas Roadhouse butter from the store?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or happen to have the store-bought version on hand, you can definitely use it in this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe. Simply use an equivalent amount in step 4 of the instructions. The homemade version is fun to make, but the pre-made butter works just as well for a quick dinner.
Is this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredientsโchicken, butter, honey, spicesโdo not contain gluten. However, always be sure to double-check the labels on your specific ingredients, like powdered sugar and spices, to ensure they are certified gluten-free and not processed in a facility with wheat if you have a severe allergy or celiac disease.
Can I make this skillet chicken dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can certainly do some prep ahead of time to make dinner even faster. You can chop the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. You can also prepare the cinnamon honey butter mixture and keep it refrigerated.
When you’re ready to cook, just sear the chicken and add the butter sauce. This makes assembling the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet a 15-minute affair!
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
I highly recommend using a large cast-iron skillet for this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat very well, which is perfect for getting a great sear on the chicken. However, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like stainless steel) will also work just fine. Avoid using a non-stick skillet if possible, as it’s harder to get that nice browning on the chicken.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This estimate is for one serving of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, assuming the recipe makes 4 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Sugar | 26 g |
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Salted Butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, honey, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Whip until light and fluffy. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towel. Toss with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add half of cinnamon honey butter mixture to skillet. Stir gently until butter melts and creates glossy sauce coating chicken.
- Simmer and Serve: Let chicken and sauce simmer 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with remaining butter on the side.