How long does this Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet take to cook?

About 22 minutes total, honestly! You're looking at 10 minutes for prep and then just 12 minutes of actual cooking time in the skillet. It's one of those "ready in under 30 minutes" meals that actually delivers, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! I've tested this with both, and chicken thighs work beautifully. They might need an extra minute or two per side to cook through, but they stay super juicy and fork-tender. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before you add that glorious butter sauce.

How do I store leftovers and can I make this ahead?

Leftovers are actually even better the next day, the flavors really develop overnight! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wouldn't make the whole dish ahead, but you can definitely mix the softened butter with honey the day before and keep it in the fridge, ready to go.

Why isn't my chicken getting a nice sear, or why is the butter sauce burning?

Okay, here's what I learned: for the sear, you want the pan screaming hot before adding the chicken, and don't overcrowd the pan or it'll steam instead of sear. For the butter sauce, the trick is to reduce the heat to low *before* adding the honey butter. I burned the bottom the first time — so keep an eye on it and spoon it over constantly!

What are your favorite sides to serve with this honey butter chicken?

Oh, my family goes crazy for this with creamy mashed potatoes – that rich and buttery honey butter sauce is just begging to be soaked up! But it's also amazing with some fluffy white rice or even just a simple green salad to cut through the richness. My kids literally fight over the last piece!

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Name: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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, for added flavor); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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By Chef Clara

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Bring the bold flavors of Texas Roadhouse home with this butter chicken skillet—rich, smoky, and skillet-seared to juicy perfection. Weeknight dinner win!

What makes this version different

Quick and easy to make in just 22 minutes
Juicy, flavorful chicken with a rich honey butter glaze
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables
A homemade version of a Texas Roadhouse favorite
Kid-friendly and easily customizable

The ingredient lineup

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, for added flavor)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).

3. Make the Butter Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened butter with honey in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the butter-honey mixture to the skillet.
Spoon the melted butter sauce over the chicken, letting it coat evenly for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Serve:

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Time and servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 350 kcal

Variations I love

Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Lemon Butter Chicken: Replace honey with fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Herb Infusion: Mix dried rosemary, thyme, or basil into the butter sauce for added depth.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken before serving.
Creamy Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a richer sauce.

What to do with leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How long does Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or broth, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Can I substitute butter in this recipe?

I’ve found that you can substitute unsalted butter with a good quality plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option, maintaining a similar texture. Ghee also works, offering a slightly nuttier flavor profile. Both will provide that rich, buttery glaze.

What internal temperature should chicken reach?

For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F measured with a meat thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes; this helps keep it juicy.

What goes well with Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?

In my experience, this butter chicken skillet pairs wonderfully with classic American sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the rich sauce. Steamed rice or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also complement the dish beautifully, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Is Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet gluten-free?

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all listed ingredients like chicken, butter, and spices do not contain gluten. However, always ensure any store-bought ingredients, such as spices or sauces, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Before you go

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. With a golden seared crust and a rich honey butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to impress!

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Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: PT22M
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet in creamy garlic sauce—rich, savory, and perfect for cozy homemade comfort family dinner meals.

Ingredients

Scale

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, for extra flavor)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
Make the Butter Sauce:
- Mix softened butter with honey in a small bowl.
- Reduce heat to low, add the butter-honey mixture to the skillet, and spoon over the chicken for 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Serve with Texas Roadhouse-style rolls for an authentic touch.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT12M
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg