If you’ve ever fallen in love with the rich, buttery flavors of Texas Roadhouse, this Skillet Butter Chicken is about to become your new obsession. It’s got all the Southern charm and flavor of the restaurant favorite, but made right in your own kitchen—with just one pan! Tender, golden-seared chicken is drenched in a silky, buttery sauce with hints of honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. It’s fast, satisfying, and tastes like a five-star meal with minimal effort.
This recipe was born on a rainy night when we were all craving that bold, buttery Texas Roadhouse flavor but had no plans (or desire) to leave the house. I whipped this up on a whim, and the reaction? My husband closed his eyes after the first bite and said, “This tastes like it came from a restaurant!” Now, it’s our midweek comfort meal. We’ve shared it at family dinners, brought it to potlucks, and even made it on vacation. It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough for guests—and my kids always ask for seconds!
Why This Skillet Butter Chicken Recipe Works
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That Irresistible Buttery Sauce: A dreamy combo of honey, garlic, and smoked paprika gives this sauce a sweet-smoky balance you’ll fall in love with.
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Quick & One-Pan: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes—and no pile of dirty dishes!
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Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken: The sear locks in juices while the sauce adds layers of flavor with every bite.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm rolls—it fits weeknights or dinner parties alike.
🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 680g / 1.5 lbs)
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30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
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60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
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10ml (2 tsp) honey
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp fine salt
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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60ml (1/4 cup) chicken broth
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
🔥 Directions
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Make the Flavor Butter: In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside—it’s going to be your flavor bomb!
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
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Deglaze & Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet, scraping up all the browned bits for extra flavor. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the butter mixture until fully melted and silky smooth.
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Bring it Together: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the buttery sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a minute to absorb all the goodness.
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Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
📝 Notes & Tips
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Butter Substitutes: If you’re cutting back on butter, try using a mix of olive oil and a smaller portion of butter or plant-based spread.
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Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mix for a spicy kick!
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Cooking Tip: Pound the chicken breasts slightly for even thickness and faster cooking.
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Leftovers: This reheats like a dream—store in an airtight container and warm gently in a skillet the next day.