What makes this butter chicken skillet taste so much like the restaurant version?

A silky, creamy sauce in this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet blends tomato, cream, and yogurt. It balances spices for that restaurant‑like depth. Finishing with a pat of butter adds gloss and luxury

Can I substitute chicken thighs with breasts in this recipe?

Yes. Thighs stay juicy and forgiving if you aren’t exact with timing. Breasts cook faster but can dry out if overcooked. Choose what you have and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this ahead or freeze leftovers?

The sauce thickens as it sits and flavors mingle beautifully. Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of cream if it thickens. Freeze the sauce separately or freeze fully cooled leftovers in airtight containers.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The cayenne is optional; omit or reduce for milder heat. For color without heat, add a pinch of paprika. Taste and tailor the heat to your crowd before serving.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet: 5 Irresistible Flavors

Description

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet-inspired creamy, spiced chicken dish with a rich butter sauce that tastes like a restaurant favorite you can make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
3 tbsp butter, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup plain yogurt
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 6–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir to coat the onions in the spices.
Pour in tomato sauce, stir, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and yogurt until smooth. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter for richness.
Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat, and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan bread or rice.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for quicker cooking.
Omit cayenne if you want a milder sauce.
Keep heat gentle after adding cream and yogurt to prevent curdling.
Serve with naan bread or rice to soak up the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Protein: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, butter chicken skillet, creamy tomato chicken, easy skillet dinner, restaurant style chicken, Indian-inspired butter chicken, naan or rice accompaniment, home-cooked copycat