Texas Butter Chicken Skillet

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish features tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown in olive oil, then gently coated in a silky butter and honey sauce. Aromatic garlic powder and a hint of paprika add depth, while fresh parsley brings brightness to the plate. Ideal for weeknights, it balances creamy richness with savory spices, making each bite comforting and flavorful. Easy to prepare, it can be stored and reheated without losing its luscious texture.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:20:26 GMT
A skillet of butter chicken with green herbs. Save
A skillet of butter chicken with green herbs. | lilicooks.com

This creamy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings tender chicken breasts together with a rich butter and honey sauce for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or something to savor on a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal fuss.

I first made this dish after craving something cozy yet quick, and it immediately became a repeat favorite in my home. The buttery sauce coats the chicken so well it feels like a special treat every time.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for even cooking and tenderness
  • Olive oil: this helps to crisp the chicken edges while keeping it moist inside
  • Unsalted butter: softened butter blends smoothly with the honey without clumping
  • Honey: adds natural sweetness that balances the savory spices and butter
  • Garlic powder: infuses a warm aroma without the sharpness fresh garlic can bring
  • Salt: essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish
  • Black pepper: adds a mild heat that complements the other spices
  • Paprika: optional but recommended for a subtle smoky depth and a touch of color
  • Chopped parsley: fresh for garnish brightens the rich dish visually and flavor-wise

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:
Pat each chicken breast dry then evenly season both sides with salt black pepper garlic powder and paprika if using. Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Place chicken breasts carefully and cook undisturbed for about five to six minutes until the underside turns a golden brown crust.
Flip and Finish Cooking:
Turn the chicken breasts over and continue cooking for another five to six minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure the center reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit for safe doneness. The chicken should feel firm but still juicy.
Make the Butter Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl combine the softened butter and honey mixing until smooth and slightly creamy. Lower the heat on the stove to low to prevent burning.
Coat the Chicken:
Pour the butter and honey mixture directly over the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet. Using a spoon baste the sauce over the chicken continuously for one to two minutes letting it melt into the meat creating a glossy coating.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top as a fresh green touch and serve immediately while still hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
A skillet of chicken with butter and herbs. Save
A skillet of chicken with butter and herbs. | lilicooks.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the honey which cuts through the richness and leaves a sticky sweet glaze that makes this dish so memorable. A friend once told me this dish would convert even the pickiest eaters, and I have to agree after seeing repeated requests at my dinner table.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to four days. When reheating use a skillet rather than a microwave if possible to keep the buttery sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help restore moisture and prevent drying out the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Unsalted butter may be swapped with ghee for a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point which is great if you prefer cooking with clarified butter. If honey is unavailable or you want a vegan alternative maple syrup also works wonderfully to provide sweetness. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder but should be minced finely and added during cooking to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

A skillet of butter chicken with green herbs. Save
A skillet of butter chicken with green herbs. | lilicooks.com

This chicken pairs beautifully with warm buttery mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf layering textures and soaking up the luscious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus adds a welcome crisp contrast and fresh color. For a completely hands-off option consider serving over buttered egg noodles for a hearty meal in one skillet.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and tender texture.

→ Can I adjust the richness of the butter sauce?

Yes, modifying the butter or honey quantities allows for a lighter or sweeter sauce to suit your taste.

→ Is paprika necessary for this dish?

Paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances flavor complexity.

→ How can leftovers be best stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or briefly in the microwave.

→ What side dishes complement this skillet chicken?

Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair well with the buttery, savory flavors.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Texas Butter Chicken Skillet

Tender chicken in a rich butter-honey sauce, cooked quickly in a skillet for a savory meal.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
17 min
Overall Time
22 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Cooking Oil

02 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Butter Sauce

03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 2 tsp honey
05 1 tsp garlic powder
06 1/2 tsp salt
07 1/2 tsp black pepper
08 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
09 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Steps

Step 01

Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side.

Step 03

Flip chicken and cook an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring doneness.

Step 04

In a small bowl, blend softened butter with honey until combined.

Step 05

Lower heat to low, pour butter-honey mixture over chicken, spooning the sauce continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat evenly.

Step 06

Remove skillet from heat, garnish chicken with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in short microwave intervals.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~