I still remember the day my friend, Sarah, and I tried recreating our favorite restaurant dishes at home. We were craving that melt-in-your-mouth butter chicken but wanted something a bit easier and with a rustic, home-style flair. That’s when we stumbled upon the idea of making an Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, and the results were phenomenal! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most incredible, satisfying, and family-friendly Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Butter Chicken Skillet
Okay, friend, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. First and foremost, it’s unbelievably easy. We’re talking minimal prep time and cleanup. Second, the flavor profile is out of this world. Imagine the creamy, rich indulgence of butter chicken combined with the comforting, slightly smoky notes you’d expect from Texas Roadhouse. Need I say more? Trust me, this isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
- Spices: 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat).
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, chopped.
- Naan or Rice: For serving.
- Optional: A touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity (about 1 teaspoon).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for that Texas Roadhouse feel!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onions should be fragrant and starting to turn golden.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. That aromatic blend is the foundation of our flavor!
- Bloom the Spices: Add the tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder (and cayenne pepper, if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial! Blooming the spices in the hot butter unlocks their full potential and intensifies the flavor. You’ll smell the fragrant spices releasing their aromas – magic!
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, melt the remaining butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. We want that beautiful sear!
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the tomato-based sauce in the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and honey (if using). Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb all that delicious flavor. Keep stirring gently, don’t let it stick.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot over naan bread or rice. Oh, and don’t forget that extra drizzle of the buttery sauce!
Success Tips: Your Golden Rules for Perfection
- Don’t Skip Blooming the Spices: This step is absolutely essential for maximizing the flavor of your butter chicken. Cooking the spices in the hot butter releases their oils and intensifies their aroma.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Opt for fresh ginger and garlic, and good-quality crushed tomatoes.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for heat, honey for sweetness, or salt for overall flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Serve with Warm Naan: Trust me on this one. Warm naan bread is the perfect accompaniment to this butter chicken skillet. It’s ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free and equally creamy alternative.
- Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the spice blend for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
- With Naan Bread: As mentioned before, warm naan bread is the perfect accompaniment.
- Over Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a classic and comforting meal.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy butter chicken.
- As Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with cilantro, onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
Considering Other Chicken Dishes?
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, why not try BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS!? They’re packed with flavor and super satisfying. Or, if you’re craving pasta, you could whip up some CHICKEN BACON PASTA. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Don’t forget about BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN for a truly indulgent meal. For a romantic dinner, Marry Me Chicken is an excellent choice. And for a quick and easy weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prepare this skillet in advance:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tomato-based sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat it in the skillet and proceed with the recipe.
- Storage: Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the butter chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
- Freezing: While the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze leftover butter chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Card
Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print out or save for later:
Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Naan or rice, for serving
- Optional: A touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity (about 1 teaspoon).
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Bloom the Spices: Add the tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder (and cayenne pepper, if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, melt the remaining butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the tomato-based sauce in the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and honey (if using). Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot over naan bread or rice.
Final Thoughts: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
There you have it! The Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – a fusion of flavors that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I know you can do it, and I’m excited for you to experience the joy of making this dish. Happy cooking!
Why is it important to bloom the spices in this recipe?
Blooming the spices in hot butter releases their oils and intensifies their aroma, maximizing the flavor of the butter chicken.
Can I make this butter chicken skillet vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How far in advance can I prepare the tomato-based sauce?
You can prepare the tomato-based sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the skillet when ready to use.
What are some serving suggestions for the Easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?
The recipe suggests serving it with warm naan bread, over rice, or with a side salad. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or serve it alongside roasted vegetables.
Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for that Texas Roadhouse feel!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Bloom the Spices: Add the tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder (and cayenne pepper, if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, melt the remaining butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the tomato-based sauce in the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and honey (if using). Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb all that delicious flavor. Keep stirring gently, don’t let it stick.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot over naan bread or rice.
