The Story Behind the Skillet: From Restaurant Inspiration to Home Kitchen Triumph
Every great recipe has a story, and this Texas Roadhouse-inspired Butter Chicken Skillet is no exception. Capturing the essence of the beloved restaurant’s bold flavors, this dish brings the magic of restaurant-quality cooking directly to your home kitchen. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through careful technique and a perfect blend of seasonings.
Inspired by the legendary Texas Roadhouse’s approach to chicken, this skillet recipe combines the richness of butter, the warmth of spices, and the succulence of perfectly cooked chicken breasts. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey that brings restaurant-style excitement to your dining table.
Ingredients (European Metric)
For the Chicken
- 4 borst van plukje kipfilets, zonder vel
- 30 ml olijfolie
- 60 g ongezouten boter, op kamertemperatuur
- 15 ml honing
- 5 g knoflookpoeder
- 5 g gerookte paprikapoeder
- 3 g zout
- 3 g zwarte peper
- 60 ml kippenbouillon
- 15 g verse peterselie, gehakt (voor garnering)
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 personen
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- Trim any excess fat
- Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
- Create the Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter
- Add honey
- Mix until smooth and well incorporated
- Set aside at room temperature
- Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil
- Once oil is shimmering, add chicken breasts
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on first side
- Flip and cook for additional 5-6 minutes
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C
- Butter Sauce Preparation
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Add chicken broth to the skillet
- Scrape any browned bits from the bottom
- Add butter-honey mixture
- Swirl to create a light sauce
- Baste chicken with the sauce
- Final Touches
- Remove chicken from skillet
- Let rest for 3-5 minutes
- Spoon remaining sauce over chicken
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet
- Let chicken rest to retain moisture
- Use cast-iron skillet for best flavor development
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives
- Turkey breasts
- Pork tenderloin
- Tofu steaks
- Spice Variations
- Add cayenne for heat
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder
- Experiment with different herb combinations
- Dietary Modifications
- Use ghee instead of butter
- Substitute honey with maple syrup
- Use dairy-free butter alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I prevent chicken from drying out? Use room temperature chicken, don’t overcook, let rest after cooking.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time? Prepare butter mixture in advance, cook chicken just before serving.
Q3: What sides pair well? Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf
Q4: How to store leftovers? Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days
Q5: Can I use frozen chicken? Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight container
- Best consumed within 3-4 days
- Reheat gently to preserve moisture
- Avoid microwaving to maintain texture
Recommended Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Fresh Green Salad
Enjoy your Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Butter Chicken Skillet—a perfect blend of restaurant-quality flavor and home-cooked comfort!