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If you’re craving something that combines rich, buttery goodness with the bold flavors of the South, you need to try this Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate—tender, juicy chicken cooked right in a luscious butter and broth sauce with just the right touch of garlic, paprika, and herbs to keep it exciting. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet for an easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish effortlessly brings a bit of Texan flair to your kitchen without any fuss, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential: each one plays a unique role in building the delicious layers of flavor, giving the chicken a golden crust and a rich, velvety sauce that you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein; both soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps get a perfect sear on the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The star of the recipe, butter creates an irresistible silky sauce and golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides deep every-bite flavor without any fresh garlic prep.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a sweet, savory undertone.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds beautiful color and a smoky warmth reminiscent of Texas cookouts.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of the luscious sauce.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Brightens the sauce with a fresh citrusy note.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness for the finishing touch.
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 a nice sear. Then, sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination is what gives the chicken its irresistible Texan aroma and flavor, setting the stage for the skillet magic to come.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Sear the Chicken
Warm up your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and shimmering, add your chicken. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. You’re aiming for that perfect crust that locks in the juices – it’s the hallmark of the Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe.
Step 3: Remove Chicken and Prepare the Sauce
Take the chicken out and set it aside while your skillet is still hot. Lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom—this brings incredible depth and richness to your sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful. If you like a hint of brightness, stir in the optional lemon juice at this stage.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Skillet and Finish Cooking
Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the buttery sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the chicken soaks up all the southern comfort flavors one last time, keeping it moist and flavorful right until serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten the look and taste just before serving. This simple touch brings a hint of herbal freshness to the buttery, smoky richness and completes this outstanding one-pan meal.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is classic and brings a lovely pop of green, you can also consider a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika. These subtle additions enhance the dish’s southern charm and add an inviting aroma that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob to keep the Southern comfort vibe going. For a lighter touch, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that complement the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation that feels warm and inviting. Alternatively, drizzle the buttery sauce over cooked rice or couscous for an elegant but easy twist that makes the meal feel fresh and complete.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick next-day dinner or lunch that still feels homemade and comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze the Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the chicken remains tender and the sauce stays rich.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. This helps recapture that fresh-out-of-the-skillet feel without drying out the chicken—or pop it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between until warm.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through and might not sear as evenly. For the best results and that signature butter sauce coating, boneless pieces like breasts or thighs are preferred.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! The paprika lends gentle warmth without heat, making it a crowd-pleaser. If you want a bit more kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt, but chicken broth gives the richest flavor. Avoid heavy or creamy substitutes to keep the balance of this southern-style sauce right.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and searing it over medium-high heat helps form a crust that seals in juices. Also, avoid overcooking by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
You can swap butter for dairy-free margarine or oils, but the buttery flavor is key to that Texas Roadhouse charm. Using a good quality non-dairy butter will get you closest in taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Skillet Texas Roadhouse Style: One-Pan Southern Comfort Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfectly suited to both casual dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and treat yourself to a little southern hospitality right in your own kitchen—you won’t regret it!
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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 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
A flavorful one-pan Butter Chicken Skillet inspired by Texas Roadhouse style, featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich buttery sauce with aromatic spices. This easy Southern comfort dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
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
Sauce and 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 and evenly season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with a balanced and savory flavor base.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing the butter to melt and the fat to heat up until shimmering, ready for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked. Then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, deglazing it to incorporate rich flavors. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Optionally, stir in the lemon juice to add a bright, tangy note.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the buttery sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to cook for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the sauce and reheat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the butter chicken hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more tender texture if preferred.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.
- The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the sauce.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
