From the first tender bite of this Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll find your taste buds dancing with delight. Rich, creamy sauce clings lovingly to strips of chicken, each piece imbued with layers of warm spices and a hint of sweetness from melted butter. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together in one sizzling pan. The blend of ground ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder creates a symphony of aromatics that unfolds in your kitchen, filling the air with a promise of mouthwatering satisfaction. And when that velvety tomato-cream sauce envelops each striated chicken strip, you know you’re in for something truly special—an homage to the bold, comforting flair of Texas Roadhouse’s legendary Butter Chicken.
What makes this skillet recipe stand out is its simplicity married to its depth of flavor. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up this dish; in fact, it’s perfect for beginners. A quick sauté of onions and garlic becomes the aromatic foundation, while the careful layering of spices builds complexity without any fuss. The chicken cooks to a golden-brown perfection in a swirl of butter and olive oil, then bathes in a creamy tomato sauce that’s both tangy and luscious. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or impressing friends at a casual dinner party, this one-pan wonder is destined to become a go-to favorite. With fluffy steamed rice on the side, each forkful feels like a cozy hug, making busy evenings feel indulgent and memorable.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN TEXAS ROADHOUSE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s unpack the star players in this skillet sensation. Each ingredient contributes its unique personality, creating a harmonious dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender strips of chicken act as the canvas for this recipe, soaking up every bit of spice and creamy sauce to deliver juicy, flavorful bites.
- Butter
Divided between browning and sauce-building, butter adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, ensuring every moment in the skillet is decadently smooth.
- Olive oil
A touch of olive oil raises the smoke point for sautéing and balances the butter, giving the chicken a perfect golden sear without burning.
- Onion
Finely chopped onion sweats down into sweet, translucent strands, laying a savory foundation that perfectly complements the spices.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the dish with its pungent, aromatic charm, brightening the sauce and adding depth to every spoonful.
- Ground ginger
Warm and slightly peppery, ground ginger introduces a zing that brightens the creamy sauce and harmonizes with the other spices.
- Ground cumin
Earthy and nutty, cumin lends a subtle smokiness, anchoring the flavor profile and rounding out the richness of butter and cream.
- Ground coriander
With its citrusy undertones, coriander complements cumin and ginger, adding complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Chili powder
A mild kick from chili powder brings gentle heat and a burst of color, making each bite lively and exciting.
- Paprika
Sweet and smoky, paprika deepens the sauce’s hue and flavor, enhancing the visual appeal and taste.
- Ground turmeric
Known for its vibrant golden color and subtle earthy notes, turmeric brightens the sauce and provides an antioxidant boost.
- Tomato sauce
The tangy backbone of the sauce, tomato sauce offers a slight acidity that balances the cream’s richness.
- Heavy cream
Luxuriously thick and forgiving, heavy cream transforms the tomato base into a velvety, indulgent sauce that clings to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices, ensuring each element shines.
- Fresh cilantro
Chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness at the end, cutting through richness with vibrant green notes.
- Steamed rice
Fluffy rice serves as the perfect platform, soaking up every drop of the buttery, spiced sauce for a satisfying meal.
HOW TO MAKE TEXAS ROADHOUSE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET
Let’s walk through this effortless, one-pan meal that proves homemade Butter Chicken can be both quick and luxurious. You’ll build layers of flavor step by step, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy skillet worthy of any weeknight dinner table.
1. Heat the butter and olive oil
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter alongside the olive oil. This fat blend raises the smoke point and primes the pan for a perfect sear.
2. Sauté the chicken strips
Add your seasoned chicken strips, sprinkling salt and pepper evenly. Sauté until each strip is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. The goal is a crisp exterior while retaining juicy tenderness inside.
3. Remove and set aside
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate. This ensures the proteins rest while freeing up the skillet to build your sauce.
4. Cook the onions
Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and stir in the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
5. Toast the spices
Push the onions to one side, then stir in garlic, ground ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, and turmeric. Cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.
6. Simmer the tomato sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Add the cream
Lower the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This technique prevents curdling and yields a smooth, velvety sauce.
8. Combine chicken and sauce
Return the chicken strips to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is reheated and the sauce clings beautifully.
9. Garnish and serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and scoop over steaming bowls of rice. The finishing herbal note elevates the dish, making it shine.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR TEXAS ROADHOUSE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET
When it comes to serving this Butter Chicken Skillet, presentation and pairing can elevate the meal from comforting to unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tips ensure every element on your plate is in harmony. Think about contrast in textures, pops of color, and complementary flavors that round out the richness of the creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative—mix and match sides, experiment with garnishes, and tailor your accompaniments to suit the occasion. From casual weeknight dinners to small gatherings, these serving ideas will help you plate like a pro and impress every palate.
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice
Create a bed of pillowy rice that soaks up every drop of the buttery sauce. Use a rice mold or small bowl to shape it neatly before ladling the chicken on top for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with warm naan bread
Offer torn or sliced naan alongside the skillet. Let guests scoop up the sauce and chicken, adding a delightful chewy texture and an easy, interactive eating experience.
- Add a side of sautéed vegetables
Quickly cook zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach in a little olive oil and garlic. Their bright colors and crunch provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges
Sprinkle extra cilantro and offer lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of citrus cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor.
HOW TO STORE TEXAS ROADHOUSE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET
Preserving the taste and texture of this skillet meal is simpler than you might think. Proper storage ensures that the creamy sauce retains its velvety consistency and the chicken remains tender for up to three days in the fridge. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead of a busy week or saving leftovers for an easy reheat, following these techniques will keep your dish tasting as fresh as the day it was made. Labeling containers with dates helps avoid guesswork, and gentle reheating methods prevent the cream from separating. Let’s explore the best ways to store and reheat your Butter Chicken Skillet so that every bite feels as delightful as the first.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Seal tightly to minimize air exposure, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Glass containers help preserve flavor and are microwave-safe for easy reheating.
- Freeze for longer storage
For meals beyond three days, pour cooled Butter Chicken into a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving a little room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove
To prevent the cream from curdling, warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
- Use within safe time frames
Always check for signs of spoilage—off-odors or separation—before consuming. If in doubt, discard to maintain food safety.
CONCLUSION
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe has taken you on a flavorful journey from the sweet sizzle of chicken in butter to the bold embrace of spiced tomato and cream. We’ve explored each ingredient’s role, walked through every cooking step in detail, and shared presentation tips that elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this one-pan meal delivers restaurant-worthy richness with surprisingly little fuss. As you gather the family around the dinner table and savor forkful after forkful of that velvety sauce, you’ll appreciate how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. Feel free to print this article or save it for later—you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for cozy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you crave a fuss-free yet indulgent meal.
Below, you’ll also find a helpful FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about substitutions, spice adjustments, or make-ahead tips. And if you give this skillet a try, I’d love to hear from you—leave a comment with your own twists, ask any questions that come up during prep, or share your feedback if you need help troubleshooting. Your stories and suggestions make this cooking community richer and inspire others to roll up their sleeves and create. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more creamy, spiced skillet feasts in your kitchen!
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Description
This creamy, spiced chicken skillet is a symphony of flavors, combining tender chicken with aromatic spices and rich cream. Perfect over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken strips to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Return the chicken strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them well in the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot over steamed rice.
Note
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili powder.
- This dish pairs well with naan bread or a side of sautéed vegetables.
- Freshly grated ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more robust flavor.
- This skillet can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk.
