Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Description:
A creamy, rich, and flavorful chicken dish inspired by the famous Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet! This easy-to-make skillet dinner features tender chicken breast cooked in a decadent sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth, with a hint of paprika for a kick. The best part? It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The garnish of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add paprika, salt, and pepper, and continue stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once done, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet!
Variations:
- Spicy Butter Chicken Skillet: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy Butter Chicken Skillet: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy version of the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with diced tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Curry Butter Chicken Skillet: Add curry powder or garam masala to the sauce to infuse the dish with a subtle curry flavor.
- Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Serving Tips:
- Serve with rice: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with steamed rice or a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Serve with bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is great for dipping into the sauce.
- Side dishes: Consider serving with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme can elevate the presentation of the dish.
20 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and richer flavor.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
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Can I use a different kind of broth? Yes, vegetable broth or beef broth can be substituted if you prefer.
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Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter? Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but it may alter the creaminess of the dish.
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What can I serve this with? This dish goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even steamed vegetables.
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Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to the sauce to increase the heat.
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Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh chicken, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
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How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it to the skillet after sautéing the onion and garlic.
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How can I thicken the sauce? If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer longer to reduce, or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free? This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
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What is paprika? Paprika is a spice made from ground red peppers and adds both color and flavor. It can range from mild to hot.
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How can I make this dish more filling? Add a side of carbs such as rice, potatoes, or even a crusty bread to make the meal more hearty.
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Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
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Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the Butter Chicken Skillet for up to 2 months. Just reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more texture and flavor.
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What type of chicken is best for this dish? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe.
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Can I use a different type of cream? Yes, you can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or even sour cream for a slightly different flavor.
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Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure your skillet is large enough.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
20 Best Tips to Make the Best Butter Chicken Skillet:
- Use fresh chicken breast for the juiciest, tender result.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can prevent it from browning properly.
- Let the chicken brown evenly for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content of the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens for a creamy, rich consistency.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken while the sauce simmers.
- Use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to brighten up the dish and add color.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a subtle kick.
- Don’t skip the simmering step—it’s key to thickening the sauce and bringing all the flavors together.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking while cooking.
- Make sure the sauce is simmering on low to prevent it from curdling.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for the best texture.
- Consider using bone-in chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful result.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Serve it hot for the best texture and flavor experience!
Enjoy your Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet!