Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

My Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe

because sometimes all you need is one skillet, a craving, and no patience left in the tank

Girl… I swear I wasn’t even planning to cook that day. I had one of those long, slightly chaotic mornings — hair in a bun that was hanging on for dear life, one sock missing, and zero motivation to do anything adult. And then… I remembered the butter chicken I tried at Texas Roadhouse on that random Tuesday last month. You know the one — creamy, cozy, kissed with spice, and basically a warm hug on a plate.

So I did what any flavor-starved woman would do — I made it my own. Grabbed my favorite skillet, said a little prayer, and got to work. And babe… what came out was pure gold. The kind of dish that made me sit down, close my eyes, and whisper, “Maria… you did it.” No plan, no fancy prep, just instinct and hunger and a whole lot of butter. This skillet saved my day — and probably my mood.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

It’s the sauce for me. Like, that buttery, spiced, creamy magic that somehow makes you feel seen. Every time I make it, someone asks for seconds. One time, my cousin came over after a break-up (girl, it was bad) — I made this, and I swear it fixed her heart a little.

Also? It’s a one-skillet wonder. Minimal mess. Maximum flavor. And totally foolproof — even with my occasional “oops, I added too much chili” moments.

What You’ll Need (your grocery love list)

Okay, honey, here’s what you’re grabbing. And yes, we’re keeping it simple but sexy:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (or thighs if you’re feelin’ juicy)
• 2 tablespoons butter — non-negotiable, we’re making butter chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — for that skillet sizzle
• 1 small onion, finely chopped — she adds the soul
• 3 garlic cloves, minced — because duh
• 1 tablespoon garam masala — your spice queen
• 1 teaspoon paprika — sweet and smoky, like your last situationship
• 1 cup tomato sauce — the rich base of dreams
• 1/2 cup heavy cream — for that creamy drama
• Salt & pepper to taste — always taste, babe
• Fresh cilantro (optional but highly encouraged — she’s the fun friend)

Maria’s Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lime at the end. Trust me, it brightens the whole thing up like good mascara on tired eyes.

How to Make My Skillet Sweetheart Butter Chicken

Sear It Like You Mean It

Heat your skillet on medium-high, toss in the butter and olive oil (they’re besties, they work together), and get those chicken pieces sizzling. We want golden edges, not overcooked sadness. Don’t overcrowd the pan — let them breathe!

Oops fix: If your chicken’s a little pale and sad? Let it rest in the pan a minute longer. You got this.

Build the Flavor Drama

Once the chicken’s looking golden and glorious, remove it and set aside. In that same pan, toss in the chopped onion. Let it sweat a little, then add the garlic, garam masala, and paprika. Your kitchen should smell like a spice market having a good day.

Oops fix: Burned garlic? Toss and restart. It’s 30 seconds and your dish deserves it.

Make It Saucy

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir like you’re stirring gossip. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens just a bit. Add the cream and bring the chicken back into the pan. Let everything simmer and become best friends for another 8–10 minutes.

Oops fix: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth — no stress.

Serve With Flair

Turn off the heat, add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Taste. Moan. Taste again. Now plate it like the queen you are. Serve it with naan, rice, or just a spoon — no one’s judging.

Maria’s Tricks That Take It Next-Level

• Add a pinch of sugar if your tomato sauce is a little too tangy — I do it all the time and never regret it.
• Greek yogurt swirl — Sounds weird? Trust me. Add a spoon at the end for a silky touch.
• Fancy it up with toasted cashews on top. Looks bougie. Tastes divine.
• Meal prep hack: Make a double batch and freeze half. Future you will be so grateful.

FAQ (Stuff I Learned the Messy Way)

Final Thoughts from Maria (and her messy kitchen)

Honestly? I didn’t know I needed this recipe in my life until I made it. And now? I can’t imagine surviving a rough Tuesday without it. It’s comforting, a little dramatic (in the best way), and ridiculously easy to throw together when the world feels loud and your fridge feels uninspiring.

If you try it, tag me, text me, send me a pic — I need to see your version. Make it your own. Add your spice. Leave your mark.

Until the next mess, stay delicious. With love,
Maria

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

A dreamy one-skillet version of Texas Roadhouse-style butter chicken — creamy, spiced, buttery, and done in under 30 minutes. Comfort food with a spicy twist and major personality.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Servings 4 generous portions

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board + knife
• Wooden spoon (for stirring + dramatic flair)
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Optional: Serving bowl you’re obsessed with

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces (or thighs if you’re feelin’ juicy)
• 2 tablespoons butter — non-negotiable we’re making butter chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — for that skillet sizzle
• 1 small onion finely chopped — she adds the soul
• 3 garlic cloves minced — because duh
• 1 tablespoon garam masala — your spice queen
• 1 teaspoon paprika — sweet and smoky like your last situationship
• 1 cup tomato sauce — the rich base of dreams
• 1/2 cup heavy cream — for that creamy drama
• Salt & pepper to taste — always taste babe
• Fresh cilantro optional but highly encouraged — she’s the fun friend

Instructions

 

Sear It Like You Mean It

• Heat your skillet on medium-high, toss in the butter and olive oil (they’re besties, they work together), and get those chicken pieces sizzling. We want golden edges, not overcooked sadness. Don’t overcrowd the pan — let them breathe!
• If your chicken’s a little pale and sad? Let it rest in the pan a minute longer. You got this.

Build the Flavor Drama

• Once the chicken’s looking golden and glorious, remove it and set aside. In that same pan, toss in the chopped onion. Let it sweat a little, then add the garlic, garam masala, and paprika. Your kitchen should smell like a spice market having a good day.
• Burned garlic? Toss and restart. It’s 30 seconds and your dish deserves it.

Make It Saucy

• Pour in the tomato sauce and stir like you’re stirring gossip. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens just a bit. Add the cream and bring the chicken back into the pan. Let everything simmer and become best friends for another 8–10 minutes.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth — no stress.

Serve With Flair

• Turn off the heat, add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Taste. Moan. Taste again. Now plate it like the queen you are. Serve it with naan, rice, or just a spoon — no one’s judging.

Notes

• Always taste as you go. Your tongue is smarter than the recipe.
• Add lime juice at the end — it wakes up the sauce.
• Works with chicken thighs or even tofu if you’re plant-based.
• Leftovers are gold — and yes, you’ll want them.
• Pairs like a dream with naan, jasmine rice, or even mashed potatoes (don’t judge me).

Keyword Butter chicken