One-Pan Butter Chicken Skillet: A Texas-Style Favorite

Created on July 1st, 2025 at 11:50 am

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the kind of dish that instantly brings the family to the table. Creamy, garlicky, slightly sweet, and cooked to golden perfection in just one skillet—this comforting recipe is everything you want after a long day. In this article, we’ll share the heartwarming story behind this recipe, break down how to make it step by step, and answer the most asked questions about it. You’ll also get expert tips, pairing ideas, and storage tricks to make this your next go-to chicken dinner. Get ready to create your new favorite weeknight meal!

Why This Dish Is a Skillet Star

The memory behind the butter

I remember the first time we tried recreating this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at home. It was one of those hectic evenings—rain coming down, everyone starving, and no time to fuss over a sink full of dishes. What came out of that night, though, became a weeknight hero: tender chicken, pan-seared and drizzled in a sweet-savory butter sauce that melts into every bite.

We grew up in kitchens where butter meant love and comfort. And this dish? It’s all of that, in one pan. The skillet sizzles with olive oil, the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown, and then—just before it’s done—you pour in that rich honey-butter blend. It bubbles, clings, and transforms everything. The aroma alone could stop time.

When we shared this with our team at ForkAndFry, everyone agreed—it deserved a spot right next to our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice and Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. These are the kinds of recipes that keep our kitchens warm and our people happy.

What makes this skillet so special

At its core, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is simplicity at its best. It’s not fancy—but that’s the point. With just a few pantry ingredients, you get something flavorful and satisfying. The seasoned chicken is pan-seared to lock in moisture, then finished in a luxurious sauce of butter, honey, and garlic powder.

Unlike restaurant butter chicken with heavy creams and spices, this version leans into comfort-food Americana. It’s less curry, more golden skillet magic. The butter mixture adds that famous sweet-savory flavor Texas Roadhouse is known for, while the paprika gives just a hint of smoky depth.

And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. It fits right in with our favorite one-pan chicken dinners and proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to cook something incredible.

Whether you’re a new cook or a seasoned pro, this is one of those recipes that just works. And once you make it, you’ll see why it deserves a regular spot in your rotation—right next to our Quick Chicken Dinners for busy weeknights.

Making the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at Home

Ingredients and prep essentials

To recreate the savory charm of a Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet in your own kitchen, you don’t need much—just good chicken, pantry staples, and a heavy-bottomed skillet. This dish shines because of its simplicity, and every element is there for a reason: to maximize flavor with minimal fuss.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Before you cook, pat your chicken dry with a paper towel—this is key for getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. While that rests for a moment, mix together your butter and honey in a small bowl and keep it close by. That’s your flavor-packed sauce ready to go.

Step-by-step for buttery perfection

Now, let’s build this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet into something irresistible.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes on the first side. It should be golden brown and lift easily from the pan.
2. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
3. Reduce the heat to low. Add your honey-butter mixture to the skillet, letting it melt and mingle with the pan juices. Spoon it over the chicken as it bubbles.
4. After 1–2 minutes of butter-basting, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley.

It’s that easy. One skillet, one golden sauce, and all the flavors that make the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet such a fan favorite. If you’re craving more flavorful, fast meals like this, check out our Low-Carb Chicken Recipes or Juicy Chicken Guide.

Best Sides to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Simple sides that bring balance

The beauty of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is how easily it plays with others. This rich, buttery, and slightly sweet chicken practically begs for sides that can balance its boldness. And luckily, there’s no shortage of great options.

Mashed potatoes are a no-brainer—fluffy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up that leftover sauce in your skillet. Garlic mashed or even sour cream mashed potatoes add just the right tang to cut the sweetness from the honey-butter glaze. If you’re going low-carb, creamy cauliflower mash is an excellent swap and still feels indulgent.

Want to keep it lighter? A crisp house salad with ranch or vinaigrette can cool things down and add crunch. Or try steamed green beans tossed in lemon juice and a little salt. They bring that fresh, clean bite that rounds everything out.

For more pairing inspiration, dishes like our Easy Chicken and Cornbread Dressing and Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes make great reference points. These comfort food classics echo the spirit of this skillet recipe beautifully.

Fresh flavors and family-friendly favorites

If you’re serving a crowd—or just picky eaters—think about building a balanced plate. A side of buttered corn, wild rice, or roasted carrots adds a sweet-savory contrast that plays well with the buttery chicken.

Another unexpected hit? A warm dinner roll or slice of cornbread. These help scoop every last bit of sauce from the skillet and turn this into a meal no one forgets. A side of sweet potatoes (roasted or mashed) can also work wonders here—offering a natural complement to the honey notes in the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Round it out with something cool and refreshing—maybe a cucumber salad or coleslaw. That contrast keeps things interesting and brings out the full flavor of your skillet masterpiece.

Still undecided? Explore our Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Ideas for more creative pairings that elevate simple chicken dishes into full-fledged dinners.

Storage Tips and Flavor Twists

How to store and reheat leftovers the right way

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet holds up beautifully for round two. Let the chicken cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days.

When it’s time to reheat, skip the microwave if you can. Instead, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms—it brings the buttery glaze back to life without drying out the meat. If you’re in a rush, microwave in 30-second bursts with a damp paper towel over the top to lock in moisture.

Wondering if you can freeze it? You can, but the sauce texture may change a bit when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and make a fresh batch of the honey-butter sauce when reheating. This trick keeps the flavor and texture spot-on.

This storing approach works just as well for other crowd favorites like our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice and One-Pan Chicken Recipes, making weekly meal prep a breeze.

Flavor upgrades and variation ideas

Looking to tweak your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet to make it your own? Try these easy flavor spins:

• Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes turns up the fire.
• Swap protein: Boneless thighs or pork chops also work beautifully with the honey-butter sauce.
• Change the base: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce over egg noodles, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread.
• Boost the glaze: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy layer, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.

Want to go bold? Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet after searing the chicken. They’ll soak up the flavor while adding texture and color.

Like our other reader favorites—such as Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—this recipe is forgiving, flexible, and full of potential. It’s what makes the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet a keeper in kitchens of all sizes.

Conclusion

There’s something unforgettable about the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—the way it comes together in one pan, the golden sear on the chicken, the silky butter-honey sauce that pulls it all together. It’s comfort food without complication. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or just craving something downright delicious, this dish delivers.

At ForkAndFry, we believe great meals start with real flavor and real stories. This skillet chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reminder that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or fancy ingredients to make something memorable. Now it’s your turn. Grab a skillet and make this buttery magic tonight!

FAQ

• “This fan-made recipe is not affiliated with or endorsed by Texas Roadhouse. “Texas Roadhouse” is a registered trademark of Texas Roadhouse IP, LLC”