If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you know their Butter Chicken Skillet is a fan favorite—tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice and served over warm rice. Now, you don’t have to wait for a reservation or drive across town to enjoy this comfort food classic. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, from what makes it special to how to make it perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a savory dish made with grilled chicken breast, sautéed in a creamy, buttery sauce loaded with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of spice. It’s typically served over a bed of steamed rice and often garnished with green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. While the exact restaurant recipe is a closely guarded secret, the copycat version has become wildly popular among home cooks who crave that same bold, comforting flavor.
This skillet dish stands out because of its rich texture and balanced taste—creamy without being heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and just the right amount of zesty kick from crushed red pepper. Unlike traditional butter chicken from Indian cuisine, this American-style version focuses on butter and cheese as the main flavor drivers, making it a unique twist that’s both familiar and indulgent.
Why This Dish Is Worth Making at Home
✅ Saves money – One serving at Texas Roadhouse can cost $12–$15. Making it at home cuts the cost by more than half.
✅ Customizable – You control the ingredients, spice level, and portion size.
✅ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike, and great for leftovers.
💡 Pro Tip: Double the batch and store extra in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat and enjoy a second dinner with zero prep!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this copycat version is easier than you think. Follow these steps to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather everything before you start to keep the cooking process smooth. You’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
✅ Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this helps it brown better.
✅ Season both sides with salt and pepper.
✅ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
✅ Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
✅ Remove chicken and set aside to rest. Slice into strips once cooled slightly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butter Sauce
✅ In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
✅ Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
✅ Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
✅ Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
✅ Mix in red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
✅ Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
✅ Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.
✅ Garnish with sliced green onions.
✅ Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Tips for the Best Results and Common Mistakes to Avoid
💡 Use fresh garlic – Jarred minced garlic can taste flat. Fresh gives the best flavor.
✅ Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry, tough meat.
⚠️ Don’t rush the sauce – Let the Parmesan melt slowly to prevent clumping.
💡 Deglaze the pan – After cooking chicken, scrape up the browned bits with a splash of chicken broth or cream for extra flavor.
⚠️ Avoid low-fat substitutes – Heavy cream and real butter make the sauce rich and silky. Skimping changes the texture.
✅ Let the chicken rest – Slicing too soon causes juices to escape, drying out the meat.
Here’s a quick comparison of common ingredient substitutions and their impact:
| Heavy Cream | Full-fat | Milk or half-and-half | Thinner sauce, less richness |
| Butter | Unsalted | Margarine | Less flavor, may separate |
| Parmesan Cheese | Freshly grated | Pre-grated | Better melt, no anti-caking agents |
| Chicken Breast | Boneless, skinless | Thighs | Juicier but changes texture |
| Garlic | Fresh minced | Powdered | Milder, less aromatic |
This table shows why sticking to the original ingredients delivers the closest result to the Texas Roadhouse experience.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyday Cooking
The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet isn’t just tasty—it’s practical. It uses common pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy households. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. It’s also a great way to introduce picky eaters to bold flavors in a comforting format. Plus, cleanup is simple—just one skillet to wash!
And because the recipe is so adaptable, you can make it healthier by using grilled chicken and light cream, or go all-out indulgent with extra cheese and a side of garlic bread.