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
Scale
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.
