Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: A Delicious Copycat Recipe

Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet: just the name alone conjures up images of sizzling, savory goodness, doesn’t it? Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, buttery sauce, all served in a rustic skillet reminiscent of a cozy evening at your favorite steakhouse. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience!

While not a traditional dish with centuries of history, the concept of butter chicken itself has roots in the rich culinary heritage of India. This dish takes that beloved flavor profile and gives it a distinctly American twist, inspired by the legendary Texas Roadhouse. It’s a fusion of cultures that results in a truly unforgettable meal.

What makes this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced sauce coats every morsel of chicken, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. The skillet presentation adds a touch of rustic charm, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, meaning you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Skillet Cornbread:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the chicken! This is where we build the foundation of our flavor. Don’t skip the spices – they’re what make this dish sing!

1. Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all that delicious sauce.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. I like to use my hands for this to really get the spices in there.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron, if you have one!) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point, just get a nice color on it. This adds a ton of flavor! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Butter Chicken Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the butter chicken sauce! This is where the magic happens. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s easier than it looks, and the result is totally worth it.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
3. Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a super smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the skillet. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be very careful when blending hot liquids! If using a regular blender, make sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
4. Add Cream and Chicken Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the Chicken: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and tender.

Preparing the Skillet Cornbread:

While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, let’s get the cornbread ready. This is what transforms this into a true skillet meal. The slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is the perfect complement to the rich and savory butter chicken.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you used a cast iron skillet for the chicken, you can leave the sauce in it. If not, transfer the butter chicken to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and lightly beaten egg.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Add Corn: Gently fold in the thawed corn kernels.
6. Pour Cornbread Batter Over Chicken: Carefully pour the cornbread batter evenly over the butter chicken in the skillet.

Baking and Serving:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake this beauty and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal.

1. Bake the Skillet: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let it Cool Slightly: Let the skillet cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cornbread set up a bit.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet. Be careful, the skillet will be very hot!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach.
• Make it Ahead: The butter chicken sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cornbread Variations: Add shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapenos to the cornbread batter for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of rice or naan bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy!

I hope you love this Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners or even a special weekend treat. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the creamy, flavorful butter sauce, the tender chicken, and the ease of cooking it all in one skillet makes it an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll be happy to oblige because it’s so simple to whip up.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and exciting flavors. The butter sauce is rich and decadent, but it’s also surprisingly light and bright, thanks to the addition of lemon juice and a touch of spice. The chicken stays incredibly juicy and tender, and the skillet cooking method ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Pair it with some warm naan bread for dipping into that delicious butter sauce.
* Add a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, for a healthy and balanced meal.
* For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations:

* Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
* For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with paneer cheese or tofu.
* Add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrients.
* If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Experiment with different spices! Garam masala, cumin, or coriander would all be delicious additions.

I’m confident that this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet will become a new favorite in your household. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable to your liking. I’ve made it countless times, and it always gets rave reviews.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any changes? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I’m sure other readers would appreciate your feedback as well. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet adventures!

---