Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet (Copycat Recipe + Cooking Guide)

If you’ve ever sat down at Texas Roadhouse and found yourself obsessing over the rolls and that irresistible cinnamon honey butter, you’re not alone. But what if you could bring that buttery magic into your main course? Introducing the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet — a flavor-packed, skillet-seared chicken dish infused with that signature sweet butter flavor that made Texas Roadhouse famous.

In this article, we’re diving deep into how to recreate this buttery, restaurant-style chicken skillet at home. We’ll explore what makes that iconic Texas Roadhouse butter so addictive, break down the full recipe, offer tips to master it in your own kitchen, and answer your most frequently asked questions.

Looking for inspiration? Try this buttery cinnamon roll recipe you can pair with dinner.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Introduction to Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

What is the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet?

The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a mouthwatering fusion dish inspired by two menu staples — juicy, skillet-seared chicken and their signature sweet cinnamon butter. Unlike traditional butter chicken from Indian cuisine, this American-style skillet chicken features a bold balance of sweet, savory, and smoky elements. It’s cooked on high heat in a cast iron or heavy skillet to create a crispy, golden exterior while being basted with a cinnamon-honey-butter glaze.

Think: crispy sear, juicy inside, and that warm sweetness from Texas Roadhouse butter melting over every bite.

Why This Skillet Recipe is Trending Across Kitchens

Foodies across the USA are recreating this dish because it hits all the right notes:

• It’s easy and fast (ready in under 30 minutes).
• It uses simple ingredients you already have.
• It transforms everyday chicken into a restaurant-quality experience.

Social platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are blowing up with homemade versions of Texas Roadhouse-inspired meals. And this skillet chicken recipe is leading the charge. The buzz? That luscious buttery glaze over sizzling chicken with a golden crust.

Check out this easy 30-minute dinner skillet recipe if you’re looking for more quick meals that deliver flavor.

Behind the Flavor – What Makes Texas Roadhouse Butter Special?

Ingredients Used in Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter

At the heart of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a simple but unforgettable blend: cinnamon honey butter. It’s what brings that sweet-savory balance to this skillet recipe and makes it taste just like something you’d order at the restaurant.

Here’s what goes into the butter that elevates this dish:

Ingredient	Purpose
Salted Butter	Creamy, rich base for the glaze
Powdered Sugar	Adds smooth sweetness without grit
Honey	Brings floral sweetness and shine
Cinnamon	Adds warmth and a signature spice note
Vanilla Extract (optional)	Rounds out the flavor beautifully

This combination creates a butter that’s whipped, sweet, and slightly spiced—perfect for basting over hot chicken. When melted in a skillet, it caramelizes slightly, coating each bite of chicken in a sticky, buttery hug.

Want to go deeper? Discover great ideas like this whipped cinnamon butter recipe perfect for breads and meats.

Flavor Secrets: Why It’s So Creamy, Sweet, and Addictive

It’s not just the ingredients — it’s how they’re combined. Texas Roadhouse butter is whipped until fluffy, which makes it light enough to melt fast and coat evenly when added to hot food. The use of powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar is key; it melts smoother and keeps the butter spreadable.

The cinnamon isn’t overpowering. It lingers subtly, adding a cozy depth that pairs shockingly well with savory dishes like chicken. Combined with the mild saltiness of the butter, it creates a perfect contrast that keeps your palate guessing — and craving more.

Plus, when this butter hits a hot skillet, something magical happens:

• The honey caramelizes.
• The butter browns slightly.
• The cinnamon blooms in the heat.

That’s the flavor-packed glaze that makes this dish a must-try.

Check out this guide on how to brown butter properly for maximum flavor — it’ll change how you cook forever.

Key Ingredients for Your Butter Chicken Skillet at Home

Main Ingredients Breakdown (Chicken Cuts, Seasoning, Butter Blend)

Making a Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet at home doesn’t require fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, most of the magic comes from everyday pantry staples and one powerful star: the cinnamon honey butter.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Why It’s Used
Boneless Chicken Thighs	Juicy, tender, and flavorful cut that sears beautifully
Salted Butter	Rich base for that signature buttery flavor
Honey	Adds a glaze-like sweetness and shine
Cinnamon	Brings a warm, spiced depth
Powdered Sugar	Creates a creamy, non-gritty sweet blend
Paprika or Smoked Paprika	Adds smokiness and color to the chicken
Garlic Powder	Enhances umami without overpowering
Salt & Black Pepper	Basic but essential seasoning
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil	Helps with the sear and prevents sticking

Pro Tip: Chicken thighs work best here — they’re harder to overcook than breasts and soak up that buttery glaze like a sponge. But if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast or tenders will also work with a slight adjustment in cook time.

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Where to Source Authentic or Substitute Ingredients

You don’t need to run to a specialty store to make this recipe shine. Everything on this list is available at your local grocery store, and here’s how you can substitute if needed:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt separately.
• Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup work in a pinch.
• Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor if you don’t have any on hand.
• Paprika: Swap in chili powder for a spicier kick.

Want to make this even easier? Don’t miss our pantry-friendly butter chicken hacks — perfect for busy weeknights.

Another tip? If you can find the real Texas Roadhouse butter (yes, some retailers sell it pre-whipped), it’s worth trying once for authenticity. But honestly, the homemade version often tastes fresher and better.

Step-by-Step Recipe – Making Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

Preparing the Chicken and Butter Marinade

Before anything hits the skillet, the secret to rich flavor lies in prepping your chicken and butter glaze right.

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Honey Butter

Whip the following in a bowl until light and fluffy:

• 1 stick salted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

You can whip by hand or with a hand mixer. Set aside at room temperature. This butter is your glaze and finishing sauce, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

• Use 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer).
• Pat dry and season generously on both sides with:
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.

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Cooking Method: From Skillet Sear to Butter Basting

This is where the magic of the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet truly happens.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, lay the chicken flat and sear for 4–5 minutes per side.
• Flip once you see a golden-brown crust forming.

The goal is to lock in the juices while creating that crispy restaurant-like sear.

Step 4: Butter Baste

• Turn the heat to medium-low.
• Add 2 tablespoons of your prepared cinnamon honey butter into the skillet.
• Use a spoon to baste the butter over the chicken as it melts and bubbles.

Let the chicken simmer in the butter for another 2–3 minutes, flipping occasionally. The sugars from the honey caramelize and coat the chicken in a sticky, buttery glaze.

Step 5: Serve It Hot

Once the internal temp hits 165°F, remove from heat and top with an extra dollop of cinnamon butter while it rests.

Don’t miss our cast iron skillet seasoning guide to make sure your pan is perfectly prepped for buttery chicken recipes like this.

Optional Add-On: Make It a One-Pan Dinner

Want a full meal in one pan? After cooking the chicken:

• Remove it and sauté green beans, carrots, or baby potatoes in the same butter mixture for 5–6 minutes.
• Toss everything back together before serving.

Can You Cook Chicken in Butter? Best Practices & Tips

Cooking Science: Why Butter Enhances Skillet Chicken

Absolutely — you can and should cook chicken in butter. In fact, butter is one of the best fats to use when you’re aiming for both flavor and texture in skillet recipes like the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

Here’s why butter works so well:

• Flavor Infusion: Butter carries the aroma of added spices (like cinnamon or garlic) deep into the meat.
• Maillard Reaction: The milk solids in butter brown beautifully, helping you achieve that golden, crispy crust on the outside of the chicken.
• Moisture Lock: As you baste the chicken, butter forms a glossy coat that seals in moisture.

However, butter has a lower smoke point than oils like avocado or canola. That means you need to control the heat or pair butter with a neutral oil for better cooking results.

Looking for inspiration? Try this butter-baked chicken sheet pan recipe for a no-fuss twist.

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Avoiding Burnt Butter: Heat Management and Timing

One common challenge is preventing butter from burning before the chicken is cooked. Here’s how to keep things perfectly golden:

Problem	Solution
Butter turns brown too fast	Start with medium heat, not high
Butter separates or smokes	Add a splash of olive oil to stabilize it
Chicken sticks to the pan	Preheat your skillet before adding fat
Uneven cook or dryness	Baste frequently and avoid overcooking

Here’s the golden rule:
Use butter in the second half of cooking. Begin with oil to sear the chicken, then introduce butter once the surface is golden to baste and glaze.

This keeps the butter from breaking down and preserves that rich, smooth taste Texas Roadhouse is famous for.

Check out our skillet cooking temperature guide to master every dish with confidence.

Versatile Uses – What Can You Put Texas Roadhouse Butter On?

Side Dishes and Meals to Pair with the Butter

The buttery glaze in your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is so flavorful, it’s practically a side dish enhancer on its own. That signature cinnamon honey butter isn’t just for rolls — it’s wildly versatile and elevates dozens of meals.

Here are top foods you can serve or enhance with this butter:

Food	Why It Works
Fresh dinner rolls	The classic pairing — pillowy and sweet
Cornbread	Balances the grainy texture with creaminess
Mashed sweet potatoes	Adds warmth and a sweet depth
Grilled carrots or squash	Gives earthy veggies a rich, sweet edge
Pancakes & waffles	Makes breakfast feel like dessert
Roasted chicken thighs	Pairs naturally with the savory seasoning
Warm biscuits	Melts perfectly into every flaky layer

Want more pairings? Don’t miss our complete list of foods to top with cinnamon honey butter.

Creative Ideas: Breakfasts, Breads, Roasted Veggies

You don’t have to stop at dinner. This butter transforms everyday breakfasts and snacks into warm, sweet treats.

Here are some creative uses:

• Spread over banana bread instead of plain butter
• Melt into a bowl of oatmeal with chopped pecans
• Drizzle over air-fried sweet potato fries
• Add a pat to grilled peaches for a dessert upgrade
• Top a baked sweet potato for the perfect blend of creamy and sweet

And here’s a fun twist: Stir the butter into your coffee for a velvety cinnamon latte flavor — it’s a low-effort way to add richness and sweetness.

This is more than just butter — it’s a kitchen secret weapon.

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Variations and Additions to Try

Sweet and Savory Twists (Herbs, Garlic, Spicy Honey)

Once you’ve mastered the classic Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, it’s time to take things up a notch. With a few tweaks, you can turn this recipe into something entirely your own — tailored to your taste buds.

Here are some crowd-pleasing twists:

Savory Variations:

• Add crushed garlic to your butter as it melts in the skillet for a bold, aromatic punch.
• Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme during basting to layer in herby flavor.
• Use smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin for a Southern BBQ vibe.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze post-cook for a rich, tangy finish.

Sweet & Spicy Twists:

• Mix hot honey into the cinnamon butter for a sweet-spicy kick.
• Add a dash of ground cayenne or chili powder to balance sweetness with heat.
• Use brown sugar in place of powdered sugar for deeper caramel notes.

These changes let you turn this one recipe into five completely different dinners.

Looking for more variations? Discover great ideas like these flavor-packed butter chicken twists to keep your weeknight dinners exciting.

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Making It Creamy: Skillet Sauce Finishes and Cheese Toppings

Want a creamier finish to your butter chicken skillet? You can make a quick skillet sauce using the pan drippings and a few extra ingredients:

Simple Creamy Sauce Recipe:

After removing the cooked chicken:

• Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the skillet
• Whisk in a tablespoon of the leftover cinnamon butter
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened
• Pour over the chicken before serving

This gives the dish a restaurant-style glaze that tastes both indulgent and homemade.

Bonus Idea: Sprinkle grated parmesan or crumbled feta on top right before serving for that final touch of richness.

Check out our creamy skillet sauce ideas for more fast weeknight magic.

Nutrition, Storage, and Leftovers

Nutritional Breakdown and Calorie Count

While the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet isn’t exactly a “light” meal, it strikes a delicious balance of protein, healthy fats, and flavor — especially when made at home with better control over ingredients.

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	~410
Protein	32g
Fat	28g (10g saturated)
Carbohydrates	7g
Sugar	5g (from honey & butter)
Fiber	0g
Sodium	~480mg

Keep in mind — most of the sugar and fat come from the cinnamon honey butter, so if you’re watching your macros, consider:

• Reducing the butter amount
• Using light butter or ghee
• Skipping the sugar or using monk fruit or stevia

For a more balanced plate, pair your skillet chicken with greens or roasted veggies.

Learn more about lightened-up chicken skillet meals for flavorful options under 400 calories.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Without Drying Them Out

Butter-based dishes reheat surprisingly well — if you know how to do it right. The trick is locking in moisture without drying out the chicken or burning the sugar from the glaze.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Keep any leftover butter sauce separate (if possible) to re-glaze during reheating.

Reheating Methods:

• Stovetop (best): Add a splash of water or chicken broth to a nonstick skillet, cover with a lid, and reheat on low for 5–6 minutes. Finish with a pat of butter to restore the glaze.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Wrap in foil with a teaspoon of water inside and bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.

Avoid high-heat reheating, which can overcook the chicken and harden the glaze.

Have leftover chicken? Slice it and serve over salad or roll it into a wrap with some greens and cheese for an easy next-day lunch.

Looking for inspiration? Try these delicious uses for leftover glazed chicken to reduce food waste.

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Bonus Tips for Restaurant-Level Butter Chicken at Home

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple skillet recipe like the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet can go wrong if you’re not mindful of a few common pitfalls. To get that restaurant-quality flavor and texture, here’s what to steer clear of:

❌ Using Cold Chicken

Cold meat goes into shock when it hits a hot skillet, tightening the proteins and leading to tough chicken.
✅ Fix: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking.

❌ Skipping the Rest Time

Cutting into the chicken right after cooking will let the juices run out.
✅ Fix: Always let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

❌ High Heat from Start to Finish

Butter burns fast. If your heat is too high during the basting stage, the butter will go from brown to black in seconds.
✅ Fix: Sear high, finish low — then baste.

❌ Not Seasoning Enough

Without enough salt and spice, the butter glaze won’t stand out.
✅ Fix: Season generously, especially before the sear. Salt brings out the sweetness of the glaze.

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Tools and Cookware That Make the Difference

You don’t need restaurant equipment to get a professional finish — but the right tools do help. These kitchen must-haves can make your Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet easier and tastier:

Tool	Why It Helps
Cast iron skillet	Retains heat for a perfect sear and glaze
Basting spoon	Makes it easier to butter-baste without spilling
Meat thermometer	Ensures you hit the perfect 165°F internal temp
Silicone brush	Helps apply butter directly on each piece
Heat-resistant tongs	Great for flipping without piercing the meat

Pro Tip: Preheat your cast iron skillet for 5 minutes on medium heat before adding oil. This ensures an even crust and eliminates hot spots.

Check out our essential kitchen tools list to upgrade your home cooking game.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet

What is the butter made of at Texas Roadhouse?

Texas Roadhouse’s famous butter is a cinnamon honey butter made with just a few ingredients: salted butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and honey. It’s whipped to a smooth and fluffy consistency and served with their iconic rolls, but also works beautifully as a glaze for chicken.

Why is Texas Roadhouse butter so good?

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The cinnamon adds warmth, while the honey brings sweetness, and the salted butter ties it all together. It’s also whipped, giving it a light texture that melts effortlessly over hot food like skillet-seared chicken or warm bread.

Can you cook chicken in a skillet with butter?

Yes — and it’s one of the best methods for juicy, flavorful chicken. Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the outside of the meat. To avoid burning, it’s often paired with oil and added toward the end of cooking for basting.

What can you put Texas Roadhouse butter on?

Aside from chicken, this butter is amazing on:

• Warm rolls, biscuits, and cornbread
• Sweet potatoes and roasted carrots
• Pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal
• Banana bread and cinnamon toast
  It even works on grilled fruit or stirred into coffee for a unique treat.

Conclusion: Bring the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet to Your Table

From the rich aroma of cinnamon honey butter melting over golden chicken to that satisfying skillet sear — the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is more than a recipe. It’s a restaurant-style experience you can create in under 30 minutes, right at home.

We’ve walked through:

• What makes Texas Roadhouse butter so addictive
• The exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions
• Flavor variations and reheating tips
• Smart kitchen tools and mistakes to avoid

Now it’s your turn. Grab your skillet, whip that butter, and make this recipe your new weeknight favorite.

Looking for inspiration? Try this quick skillet chicken dinner recipe next — it’s another fast and flavorful favorite.

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