TEXAS ROADHOUSE CHICKEN SKILLET

Craving that iconic Texas Roadhouse flavor but don’t want to leave the house? Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, buttery sauce, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup! This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet- Easy Dinner! recipe brings that comforting restaurant experience straight to your kitchen, promising a mouthwatering meal in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family with this ridiculously simple and absolutely delicious dish!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Alright, friend, let’s get started! Here’s everything you need to whip up this incredible skillet.

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes. We want bite-sized goodness!
• 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken like a charm.
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice: Adds a bright zing.
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste: Freshly grated is even better if you have it!
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste: Minced garlic works perfectly too.
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder: For that beautiful golden hue and earthy flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala: A warm, aromatic spice blend.
• 1/4 tsp Chili Powder: Adjust to your spice preference!
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, of course.

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tbsp Butter: Unsalted is best, so you can control the salt level.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion: Finely chopped.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce: The base of our delicious sauce.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For richness and that signature butter chicken creaminess.
• 1/4 cup Butter: Yes, more butter! It’s called Butter Chicken for a reason!
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• 1 tsp Garam Masala: More for that lovely aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and smokiness.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For an extra kick!
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For Serving:

• Cooked Rice or Naan Bread: For soaking up all that glorious sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.

Step-by-Step to Skillet Perfection

Okay, time to get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality butter chicken in no time.

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be!

Cooking the Butter Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I love using a cast-iron skillet for this!
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, 1/4 cup of butter, brown sugar, garam masala, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. While the sauce is simmering, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
7. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
8. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your liking.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Serve the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet- Easy Dinner! hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
3. Enjoy every single bite!

Why This Skillet Recipe is a Winner

Let’s be honest, there are a million butter chicken recipes out there. So, what makes this one so special? First, the skillet method streamlines the cooking process, saving you time and dishes! Second, the combination of spices and the touch of brown sugar create a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor profile that’s truly addictive. And third, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrients, or even use different cuts of chicken.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

Want to take your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet- Easy Dinner! to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way.

• Marinate, Marinate, Marinate: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! The yogurt and lemon juice work wonders to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Even 30 minutes makes a difference.
• Fresh is Best (Sometimes): While ginger and garlic paste are convenient, freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will give you the most vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish. Keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Boiling can cause the sauce to reduce too quickly and burn.
• Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can always add more later!
• Finishing Touch: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt right before serving adds a bright, tangy finish.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

• Vegetable Power: Add chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the skillet for extra nutrients and color.
• Spicy Sensation: Increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You could even add a chopped chili pepper.
• Creamy Dreamy: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Chicken Swap: Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add some warmth: A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon adds an extra layer of cozy flavor.

Complete the Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

While the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet- Easy Dinner! is amazing on its own, here are a few side dish ideas to complete your meal.

• Basmati Rice: The classic choice! Its delicate flavor complements the richness of the butter chicken perfectly.
• Naan Bread: Warm, fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce.
• Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip that balances the spice of the butter chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots roasted with a touch of olive oil and spices are a healthy and flavorful side.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving this skillet chicken recipe, you might want to check out some other amazing dishes! Have you ever tried COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN? It’s bursting with flavor! Or, if you’re looking for a classic, BUTTER CHICKEN is always a winner. For a quick and easy version, check out BUTTER CHICKEN, or even BUTTER CHICKEN in just 20 minutes! For a pasta twist, COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN LINGUINE is a must-try. And if you’re in the mood for another skillet meal, the GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SKILLET is another great option!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

So, there you have it! A foolproof recipe for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet- Easy Dinner! that’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Happy cooking, friend!

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Skillet

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Bring the taste of Texas Roadhouse home with this easy Chicken Skillet recipe. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, buttery tomato-based sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour and cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Stirring spoon
• Serving plates or bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• Cooked rice or naan bread for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and ensure all chicken is coated in the marinade.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, 1/4 cup of butter, brown sugar, garam masala, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
• Add the marinated chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
• Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Serve hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will provide the most vibrant flavor. Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld without burning. Adjust the spice level to your preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.