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This creamy butter chicken skillet recipe recreates the Texas Roadhouse experience right in your home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich, buttery sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don't want to spend hours cooking.
I first made this recipe when I was craving Texas Roadhouse but couldn't justify the drive across town. My family was so impressed they now request this butter chicken skillet over the restaurant version!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cut into pieces provides the perfect canvas for absorbing all the delicious flavors while staying tender
- Butter: Creates the rich foundation that gives this dish its signature Texas Roadhouse flavor
- Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a velvety dream that coats each piece of chicken perfectly
- Garlic powder: Offers convenience without sacrificing flavor look for a fresh potent variety
- Paprika: Adds both color and a subtle smoky sweetness Hungarian paprika works especially well here
- Diced onion: Creates an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish choose sweet yellow onions for best results
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors into perfect balance
- Chicken broth: Adds depth while keeping the chicken moist throughout cooking homemade broth makes a noticeable difference
- Dried thyme: Introduces an earthy herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Melt the butter completely in your skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly but not brown. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This aromatic foundation will infuse the entire dish with flavor.
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder paprika salt and pepper ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the onions arranging in a single layer if possible. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken develops a golden crust on all sides and is nearly cooked through.
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use your wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes which reduces the broth and concentrates the flavors. This step is crucial for developing depth in the final sauce.
- Finish with Cream:
- Reduce the heat to medium low before adding the heavy cream to prevent curdling. Stir the cream into the skillet and allow the sauce to gently simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The cream should transform into a silky sauce that hugs each piece of chicken.
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The heavy cream is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I tried substituting half and half once during a snowstorm when I couldn't get to the store. The sauce was good but lacked that signature Texas Roadhouse richness that only comes from using proper heavy cream.
Perfect Pairings
This butter chicken skillet begs to be served with something that can soak up the incredible sauce. Classic mashed potatoes are my familys favorite pairing as they create the perfect vehicle for enjoying every last drop of the buttery goodness. For a complete Texas Roadhouse experience serve with warm dinner rolls and honey cinnamon butter on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
The beauty of this dish extends to its excellent storage capabilities. The butter chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating gently warm over medium low heat adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavor actually develops overnight making this an excellent meal prep option for busy households.
Simple Variations
While the classic recipe is delicious there are several ways to make this dish your own. For a touch of brightness add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Mushrooms make an excellent addition providing earthy depth when sautéed with the onions. For those who enjoy heat a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes transforms this into a spicy butter chicken that will wake up your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, warm dinner rolls, or even steamed rice. Add a side of fresh veggies or a light salad for balance.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They add a richer flavor and remain tender during cooking.
- → How do I thicken the sauce further?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain flavor and texture.