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.
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).