Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Easy Creamy One Pan Recipe

Published:

October 19, 2025

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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Easy Creamy One Pan Recipe

Introduction

Have you ever searched for a restaurant favorite only to discover it is not on the menu, and then thought maybe I can make it even better at home? That is exactly what inspired this cozy skillet supper. Many readers ask whether a certain steakhouse serves a creamy butter chicken dish. Here is the data backed truth. Texas Roadhouse does not currently offer a Butter Chicken Skillet on their official menu. That gap leaves a perfect opportunity for home cooks like us to create the kind of hearty weeknight dinner we wish existed. So today we are making my family friendly **Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet**. It brings together the warmth of Indian inspired butter chicken with the big flavor spirit of an American roadhouse kitchen. Creamy. Saucy. Perfect on a Tuesday or when you have friends over on Saturday.

I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen while the ribs smoked outside and a cast iron skillet hissed on the stove. She told me that cooking is about making people happy. That is the heart of this recipe. It is a skillet you can set down in the center of the table and watch the smiles arrive. It tastes indulgent but it is simple enough for busy nights. You do not need a tandoor or fancy ingredients. Just a skillet, pantry spices, and a few smart shortcuts.

If you found this post while asking does Texas Roadhouse have butter chicken skillet, you are in the right place. We will answer that question clearly and then give you a dependable path to the flavors you crave at home. I will also include flexible swaps for dairy free, gluten free, and kid friendly versions, plus pro tips so your sauce is silky and your chicken stays tender every time.

And because we are building a roadhouse style skillet, we lean into bold but balanced flavors. Think garlic and paprika to echo classic steakhouse notes, married with garam masala and tomato for that buttery, restaurant style butter chicken comfort. By the time you stir in a knob of butter and a swirl of cream, the sauce becomes a hug. This recipe makes enough for four, scales easily for a crowd, and welcomes a pile of warm rice or soft dinner rolls. Grab your apron. Let us make something delicious together.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

When I craft a copycat style recipe, I look for three things. Familiar flavors that feel like home, simple steps that anyone can follow, and flexible options so you can make it your own. This skillet checks every box and then some.

Weeknight easy. This is a true one skillet dinner that comes together in about thirty five minutes once the ingredients are prepped. Busy parents, this one is for you.
Crowd pleasing. The sauce is rich and gently spiced, not fiery. Kids love the creamy texture and adults appreciate the depth of flavor. If you want more heat, I show you how to add it without losing balance.
Pantry friendly. You will use everyday spices plus tomato sauce, cream, and butter. No special shopping trip required.
Meal prep smart. The sauce tastes even better the next day. It keeps well and reheats gently, so leftovers are a win for lunch.
Flexible and inclusive. I include gluten free, dairy free, and lighter variations that still deliver comfort.
Fusion fun. This is a skillet butter chicken Texas Roadhouse style idea, blending roadhouse seasonings with an Indian inspired butter sauce. It hits that sweet spot of familiar and new.

I also want to address the search reality directly. Many folks land here after typing copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet into their phones. Since the restaurant does not serve this dish, the top results you see are from creators like me who love to reverse engineer flavor experiences for home cooking. That means you can stop scrolling and start cooking. This recipe is built for home stoves, with clear steps for searing juicy chicken, layering spices in the fat to bloom their flavor, and finishing with a buttery gloss that clings lovingly to every bite.

For readers who enjoy creamy comfort food, you might also like this companion recipe that has a similar weeknight vibe. It is perfect if you prefer pasta to rice. Here is a helpful resource for your next dinner plangralic parmesan . And if you love a little sweet heat with crunch, this one is a family favorite at my house.

Finally, a word on technique. Butter chicken is all about balance. Acid from tomato. Warmth from spices. Cream and butter to soften the edges. The skillet format gives you a fast reduction that concentrates flavor without fuss. Follow the timing notes and your sauce will be glossy and luxurious, never broken or thin. That is the comfort of a restaurant style experience made right on your stovetop.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

– Chicken thighs boneless skinless 2 pounds cut into bite size pieces
– Plain yogurt 1 half cup for quick marinade
– Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
– Kosher salt 1 and one half teaspoons divided
– Black pepper one half teaspoon
– Garlic powder one teaspoon
– Onion powder one teaspoon
– Smoked paprika one teaspoon
– Ground cumin one teaspoon
– Garam masala one and one half teaspoons
– Ground turmeric one half teaspoon
– Chili powder one quarter to one half teaspoon to taste
– Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons divided
– Neutral oil 1 tablespoon avocado or canola
– Yellow onion 1 medium finely chopped
– Fresh garlic 4 cloves minced
– Fresh ginger 1 tablespoon minced or paste
– Tomato sauce 1 and one half cups plain unsalted
– Heavy cream 1 cup see substitutions below
– Brown sugar 1 teaspoon optional balances acidity
– Fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped optional
– Cooked basmati rice or warm dinner rolls for serving

Substitutions that work

Chicken. Chicken breast works. Reduce sear time to keep it tender. For vegetarian use firm tofu or roasted cauliflower florets.
Dairy. For a dairy free version use coconut cream and plant based butter. It will be slightly sweeter so reduce brown sugar.
Cream. Half and half or evaporated milk can replace cream for a lighter option. Add one teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if you want the same body.
Tomato. Crushed tomatoes can sub for sauce. Simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Heat. Swap chili powder for cayenne for extra kick or omit for mild.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken. In a bowl combine yogurt lemon juice one teaspoon salt black pepper garlic powder and half of the garam masala. Add the chicken pieces. Toss to coat well. Let it rest while you prep everything else about fifteen minutes. This quick marinade seasons the meat and keeps it juicy.

Preheat the skillet. Place a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add one tablespoon oil and one tablespoon butter. When the butter is foamy the pan is ready. A hot pan gives you that roadhouse style sear.
Sear the chicken in batches. Shake off excess marinade and lay chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd. Sear two to three minutes per side until lightly browned. It does not need to be cooked through. Transfer to a plate and continue with remaining chicken. Add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry.
Build the flavor base. Reduce heat to medium. Add one tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion. Cook five to six minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir often and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Those bits are pure flavor.
Bloom the aromatics. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook thirty to forty five seconds until fragrant. Now sprinkle in cumin turmeric smoked paprika onion powder the remaining garam masala and chili powder if using. Stir for thirty seconds in the fat. Blooming spices like this gives a restaurant style depth.
Add tomato and simmer. Pour in the tomato sauce. Add the remaining one half teaspoon salt and the brown sugar if using. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook five to seven minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and the sharp tomato edge softens.
Return the chicken. Add the seared chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir to coat in sauce. Simmer on medium low for six to eight minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If the sauce seems too thick splash in a few tablespoons of water. If it is thin let it bubble another minute.
Finish with butter and cream. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the remaining two tablespoons butter until melted and glossy. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Simmer two to three minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust salt or heat. The sauce should be silky and cling to the chicken.
Rest and garnish. Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest two minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro. This short rest lets the sauce settle into that perfect spoon coating texture.
Serve. Spoon chicken and sauce over fluffy basmati rice or swipe it up with warm rolls. This is where the table gets quiet and content.

If you love exploring creamy skillet dinners try this companion idea next week. It follows similar stovetop timing and is a reader favorite for busy nights chicken pasta .

Pro Tips & Variations

Here is how to take this skillet from good to great. These are the small moves that make a big difference.

Patience with the sear. A good sear is about heat and space. Cook the chicken in batches so steam can escape. When you see a golden edge and the pieces release easily, flip them. If they stick, give them another thirty seconds.
Bloom the spices in fat. Spices wake up when they hit warm fat. That is why we add them after onions, garlic, and ginger. Thirty to sixty seconds is the sweet spot. Too short and they taste dusty. Too long and they can burn.
Balance the acidity. Tomato brings brightness. Butter and cream round the edges. If your tomatoes are very sharp, a mere teaspoon of brown sugar brings everything into harmony without making the dish sweet.
Rest the sauce. A two minute rest off heat helps the sauce tighten slightly, so it coats chicken and rice beautifully.

Variations to fit your table

Spicy version. Add one quarter to one half teaspoon cayenne along with chili powder. Finish with a squeeze of lime for contrast. This creates a spicy butter chicken skillet vibe without overpowering the butter notes.
Dairy free. Use coconut cream and a dairy free butter alternative. Swap yogurt in the marinade for coconut yogurt or a splash of olive oil and extra lemon. Expect a gentle coconut note that pairs well with chili and lime.
Gluten free. The base recipe is already gluten free. Serve over rice or with gluten free flatbread. This will satisfy readers seeking a gluten free butter chicken skillet that does not compromise on texture.
Lighter creamy. Replace half the cream with low fat yogurt or evaporated milk. Add one teaspoon cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon water at the end and simmer one to two minutes for body without full cream.
Veggie forward. Roast cauliflower florets tossed with olive oil salt and paprika at four hundred twenty five degrees until golden. Fold into the sauce instead of chicken for a hearty vegetarian dinner. Chickpeas are a great add for protein.
One pan rice option. After step six stir in three quarters cup rinsed basmati and one and a quarter cups water with the chicken. Cover and simmer on low twelve to fifteen minutes until rice is tender. This creates a true one pan butter chicken situation for minimal cleanup.

Flavor riff ideas

Smoky roadhouse. Add a splash of Worcestershire and an extra pinch of smoked paprika to echo steakhouse vibes.
Garlicky lovers. Stir in two more cloves garlic and finish with a garlic butter drizzle. Pure comfort.
Herb finish. Swap cilantro for parsley if your crowd prefers a milder herb.

If you want another creamy dinner blueprint for your rotation, I recommend this reader loved pasta with a similar creamy garlic backbone .

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken loves something to soak up that luxurious sauce. Here are simple sides and pairings that make the whole meal feel restaurant ready while staying very doable for a weeknight.

Basmati rice. Fluffy, aromatic rice is the classic choice. Rinse the grains until water runs clear, then cook with a pinch of salt. Stir in a small knob of butter at the end for shine.
Garlicky skillet green beans. Sear green beans in a slick of oil over high heat until blistered. Toss with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon. The crisp snap balances the creamy sauce.
Simple cucumber salad. Slice cucumbers thin, toss with Greek yogurt, a little lemon, salt, and dill. Cool and refreshing alongside warm spices.
Warm dinner rolls. If you are leaning roadhouse style, buttered rolls are a must. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder before warming in the oven.
Roasted potatoes. Toss baby potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Roast until crispy and golden. They will soak up extra sauce in the most satisfying way.
Grilled corn. In summer, char sweet corn and brush lightly with butter and a whisper of chili powder. The sweetness plays beautifully with the savory sauce.
Simple salad. Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette keep the meal light and fresh.
For wine. Pour an off dry Riesling or a lightly chilled Pinot Noir. For a non alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lime and a pinch of salt.

If you enjoy contrast in textures, consider adding a crunchy topper. Toasted cashews or slivered almonds sprinkled over the skillet add pleasant bite. Or keep it classic with a little extra chopped cilantro and a dash of paprika for color.

More dinner inspiration for your table. If you like meals that feel indulgent but fit a busy schedule, you will love these two dishes from my kitchen to yours. They hit similar comfort notes and are easy to put on repeat. Explore this creamy pasta favorite weeknight dinner and this crisp tender bowl with a creamy kick chicken bowls .

Storage & Reheating

Fridge
– Cool completely, then store in an airtight container up to four days. The flavors deepen by day two.

Freezer

Portion into freezer safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Stovetop. Warm gently in a skillet over medium low, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until hot.
Microwave. Reheat in short bursts, stirring between intervals. Add a spoon of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Do not boil after adding cream, as a hard boil can cause separation. Gentle heat keeps the sauce silky.

FAQ about Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Q. Does Texas Roadhouse serve a Butter Chicken Skillet
A. No. The restaurant does not currently offer this item. This recipe is a home cooked interpretation that blends butter chicken flavor with roadhouse inspired seasoning.

Q. Can I make this recipe with chicken breast
A. Yes. Cut into similar sized pieces and sear a little less so it stays tender. Pull the chicken as soon as it is just cooked through and let it finish in the sauce.

Q. How spicy is this skillet
A. It is mild as written. The chili powder is optional and modest. For heat lovers add a pinch of cayenne or diced fresh chili with the garlic and ginger.

Q. Can I make it ahead for a party
A. Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and chicken up to two days ahead. Reheat gently and finish with cream and butter just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q. What can I serve with it besides rice
A. Try warm dinner rolls, roasted potatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad. The sauce is versatile and loves anything that can soak it up.

Final Thoughts on Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

I love dishes that invite everyone to slow down, pass the pan, and share a story. This **Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet** does exactly that. It respects the cozy spirit of butter chicken while tipping its hat to bold American roadhouse flavors. It is simple to make, endlessly flexible, and generous at the table. If you came here wondering about the restaurant version, now you know the truth and you have a better option. A homemade skillet that tastes like you waited for a weekend but is completely doable on a weeknight.

If this recipe made it onto your keep list, save it to Pinterest so you can find it when the craving strikes. Your saves and shares help more home cooks discover it. I would love to hear how you serve it at your house. Do you go classic with rice or do you bring the roll basket front and center. Leave a comment with your spin and any questions. I am here to help.

For more creamy, comforting dinners that come together fast, browse these two reader favorites from my kitchen. They are right in that sweet spot of simple and satisfying creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta . And if you loved this, bookmark it, subscribe for new recipes, and join our community of home cooks who believe that every meal can be made with love.

Bolded search phrases you might have used to find this post include texas roadhouse butter chicken skillet recipe, how to make texas roadhouse butter chicken skillet, and homemade texas roadhouse butter chicken skillet. Whether you are cooking for two or feeding a hungry crew, I hope this becomes a new family favorite at your table.