Texas Roadhouse butter chicken has become my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried it at the restaurant – that creamy, slightly spicy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked chicken was pure magic. Now, I’ve perfected my own Texas Roadhouse butter chicken recipe at home, and it’s a guaranteed hit with my family. The aroma of garlic and spices filling the kitchen always brings a smile to my face, and knowing I can whip up this delicious Texas Roadhouse chicken dish in under 30 minutes is a game-changer. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights!
- Incredible flavor that rivals the restaurant’s signature dish.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick Texas Roadhouse butter chicken option.
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
- The creamy, buttery sauce is incredibly rich and satisfying.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will adore – a truly fantastic Texas Roadhouse chicken recipe.
- This Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken is naturally gluten-free, fitting various dietary needs.
- Impress your friends and family with a delicious copycat Texas Roadhouse butter chicken.
- Enjoy the authentic Texas Roadhouse butter chicken flavor at home anytime.
Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
Gathering these simple Texas Roadhouse butter chicken ingredients is the first step to recreating that amazing restaurant flavor at home. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this a super convenient option for dinner. Having everything prepped makes the actual cooking process a breeze!
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced – about 1.5 pounds total, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – this forms the base of our rich, creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is key for that authentic aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a subtle smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – essential for that warm, earthy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – just enough for a hint of warmth without being too spicy.
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk – this is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; coconut milk is a great dairy-free option.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – melts into the sauce, adding a savory richness and thickening it beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – always season as you go to build flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
From start to finish, this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can replicate that beloved restaurant flavor right in your own kitchen. Just follow these simple steps!
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This browning is key for developing that amazing flavor!
- Step 2: Infuse Flavor with Garlic and Spices
Lower the heat slightly if needed, then add the 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together and let it cook for about one minute more. You’ll smell the spices bloom and become wonderfully fragrant – it’s a fantastic aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come in this Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken.
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. This is the heart of the Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken, creating that signature rich texture. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 4: Serving
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, your Texas Roadhouse chicken entree is ready! Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this delightful Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet immediately. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or some simple steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
Want to elevate your Texas Roadhouse chicken recipe from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference in achieving that perfect restaurant-quality flavor and texture right at home.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken! Those golden-brown bits left in the pan after searing are packed with flavor and essential for the sauce.
- For an even richer sauce, use a combination of heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth.
- Ensure your Parmesan cheese is finely grated for the smoothest melt into the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – a pinch more salt or a dash of chili powder can make all the difference in the final Texas Roadhouse butter chicken flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect Texas Roadhouse butter chicken?
The real secret lies in properly browning the chicken and then deglazing the pan to capture all those flavorful bits. This foundation, combined with good quality cream and freshly grated Parmesan, creates that signature rich and irresistible Texas Roadhouse butter chicken flavor. For more on achieving perfect browning, check out this guide on crispy parmesan chicken bites.
Can I make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken by dicing it and mincing the garlic and spices a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, I find the sauce and overall flavor are best when you cook the entire dish just before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Also, avoid boiling the sauce vigorously after adding the cream and cheese, as it can sometimes separate. Simmer gently to thicken. For similar creamy sauces, you might enjoy this creamy tuscan scallops recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
This delicious Texas Roadhouse butter chicken is so versatile, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. For a truly authentic experience, serving it alongside fluffy white rice is a classic choice, as the rice soaks up that incredible creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something heartier, crusty bread or garlic naan is fantastic for dipping. And for a balanced meal that includes your vegetables, consider serving this standout Texas Roadhouse chicken entree with a side of steamed green beans or a simple side salad. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together so easily! You might also enjoy pairing it with baked lemon rosemary chicken for a different chicken flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts for Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
When you’re enjoying this delicious Texas Roadhouse butter chicken, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting nutritionally. This recipe is designed to be a rich and satisfying meal, perfect for a comforting Texas Roadhouse chicken dinner. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
Leftovers of this delightful Texas Roadhouse butter chicken dinner are just as delicious as the first night, and thankfully, it stores and reheats beautifully. Once your meal is finished, allow the chicken and sauce to cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Properly stored, this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first before using either the skillet or microwave method. This ensures you get to enjoy that amazing Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken flavor again! For another great chicken dish, try our hidden valley ranch chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken
What makes this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe so special?
The magic of this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved in just 30 minutes. It captures that signature creamy, rich, and slightly spiced profile that makes the restaurant version so popular, but with the convenience of home cooking. It truly is a fantastic Texas Roadhouse chicken dish.
Can I use a different type of chicken for this Copycat Texas Roadhouse butter chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are standard for this Texas Roadhouse chicken entree, you could also use boneless, skinless thighs. They tend to stay even more moist and flavorful, though they might take a couple of minutes longer to cook through. Just ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. For a different take on chicken, consider buffalo garlic chicken bites.
How can I make my Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can easily adjust the spice level in this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken. For a mild kick, increase the chili powder to 1 teaspoon. If you want it hotter, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño along with the garlic and spices. This Texas Roadhouse chicken recipe is very forgiving!
Is this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken dish a true copycat?
While we aim to replicate the beloved Texas Roadhouse butter chicken flavor, exact restaurant recipes are often proprietary. However, this copycat Texas Roadhouse butter chicken uses key ingredients and techniques that closely mimic the creamy, buttery, and subtly spiced sauce that diners know and love. It’s a delicious way to enjoy that taste at home!
Variations of Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Texas Roadhouse butter chicken, why not get a little creative? There are so many ways to adapt this fantastic dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Trying these variations can bring a fresh twist to your favorite Texas Roadhouse chicken recipe.
- Dairy-Free Delight: For an easy Texas Roadhouse butter chicken that’s dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. It’s just as creamy and delicious!
- Skillet to Slow Cooker: Want to make this even more hands-off? You can adapt this for a slow cooker. Sear the chicken first, then combine all ingredients except the Parmesan and parsley in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in Parmesan before serving.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, amp up the spice! Add an extra half teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a finely minced jalapeño pepper when you add the garlic and spices. This gives the Texas Roadhouse style butter chicken a delightful warmth.
- Lighter Option: For a slightly lighter take, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the heavy cream. Just be sure to temper it by mixing a little of the warm sauce into the yogurt before adding it to the skillet to prevent curdling.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken: 30 Min Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful 30-Minute Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken in a creamy, buttery sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as you cook.
- Infuse Flavor with Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serving: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with rice, bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for a more aromatic flavor.
- Adjust the spice level with more chili powder if you prefer a kick.
- Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg