Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: A Delicious Copycat Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of chicken, bathed in a creamy, savory butter sauce, all sizzled to perfection in a cast iron skillet. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

While not directly on the Texas Roadhouse menu, this dish draws inspiration from the restaurant’s iconic buttery rolls and the globally loved Butter Chicken. Butter Chicken itself boasts a rich history, originating in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmering it in a luscious tomato and butter-based sauce. Over time, it has become a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide, celebrated for its creamy texture and mild spice profile.

People adore Butter Chicken for its incredible balance of flavors. The richness of the butter and cream is perfectly offset by the tanginess of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet takes this classic dish and gives it a fun, American twist, making it incredibly easy to prepare and serve. The skillet presentation adds a rustic charm and keeps the dish warm and inviting. Plus, who can resist that irresistible buttery flavor? This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is guaranteed to become a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started with the chicken! This is where we build the foundation of our flavor. I like to use chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay nice and tender, but you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

1. Cube the Chicken: First, cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated with the spices. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy!
3. Marinate (Optional): If you have the time, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours. This will allow the flavors to really penetrate the chicken and make it even more delicious. But if you’re short on time, don’t worry, it’ll still be great!

Making the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce! This sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s what really makes this dish special. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; it’s actually quite simple to make.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron, like they use at Texas Roadhouse!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the Tomato Base: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Incorporate the Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. The sauce will start to thicken up nicely.
4. Sweeten and Season: Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken even further. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste!

Cooking the Chicken and Combining:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to cook the chicken and bring everything together. This part is quick and easy.

1. Cook the Chicken: In a separate skillet (or the same one, if you’ve cleaned it), heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the butter sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Simmer Together: Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld even further. This will also help the sauce to thicken up a bit more.

Serving:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up this delicious Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. I like to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. And don’t forget the fresh cilantro for garnish!

1. Serve Hot: Spoon the butter chicken over cooked rice or serve with naan bread.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness! This dish is best served immediately.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach. Just add them to the skillet along with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
• Chicken Thighs: As mentioned earlier, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding the cooked chicken.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy this delicious and easy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and has everyone reaching for seconds. The creamy, buttery sauce, infused with the warm spices and tender chicken, creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make, look no further. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise, once you try it, it will become a regular in your rotation.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare this dish, feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Over Rice: The classic pairing! Serve this skillet over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a delight.
* With Naan Bread: For an authentic Indian-inspired experience, serve with warm, buttery naan bread. Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
* In Lettuce Wraps: Looking for a low-carb option? Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
* Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. Start small and adjust to your preference.
* Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them alongside the chicken or stir them into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
* Cream Cheese Variation: For an even richer and creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese at the end of cooking. This adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor.
* Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.

I truly believe that this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting food. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of creamy butter, aromatic spices, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so let your creativity shine!

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!

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