I bring tender, golden-seared chicken breasts together with a luscious honey-butter sauce in one skillet—ready in about 22 minutes. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for feeding the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast this comes together and how it tastes like a restaurant dish with minimal effort. The chicken is juicy, and the sweet-savory sauce is addictive. Plus, I can customize it easily—spice it up, make it creamy, or add herbs depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional for extra sauce depth)
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
directions
- I pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium, then cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165 °F/75 °C).
- I remove the chicken and optionally pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up bits.
- While that simmers briefly, I whisk butter, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- I reduce heat to low, pour the butter-honey mix into the skillet, stir until melted, return chicken to coat in sauce for 1–2 minutes.
- I garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Spicy kick: add ½ tsp cayenne or red-pepper flakes
- Creamy version: stir in 2 Tbsp heavy cream or ¼ cup Parmesan
- Herb infusion: mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or basil into the butter sauce
- Lemon zest: replace part of the honey with fresh lemon juice for brightness
- Chicken thighs: swap in thighs for juicier meat, just cook longer
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2–3 months. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet on low with a splash of broth or butter, or microwave in short bursts until heated evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—I often use thighs because they stay juicy and absorb the sauce beautifully. I just cook a bit longer to reach 165 °F.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless I add cayenne or red-pepper flakes. The paprika is mild and optional—so it’s gentle unless I choose otherwise.
Can I prep the sauce ahead?
Absolutely. I mix butter and honey ahead of time and store it in the fridge up to 5 days. It melts easily into the pan when I cook.
What should I serve this with?
I like it with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, steamed veggies, or even garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
How do I know when chicken is done?
I use a meat thermometer—165 °F (75 °C) in the thickest part means it’s safe and juicy.
Conclusion
This skillet genuinely feels like a restaurant meal made at home—quick, creamy, and comforting. I love how flexible it is, whether I’m keeping it simple or amping it up with heat, herbs, or cream. It’s become a go-to family favorite and I hope it becomes one for you too!
Print
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and comforting skillet dish with tender chicken breasts in a honey-butter sauce, ready in about 22 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional for extra sauce depth)
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken and optionally pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up bits.
- Whisk butter, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Reduce heat to low, pour the butter-honey mixture into the skillet, stir until melted, return chicken to coat in sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy kick: add ½ tsp cayenne or red-pepper flakes.
- Creamy version: stir in 2 Tbsp heavy cream or ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Herb infusion: mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or basil into the butter sauce.
- Lemon zest: replace part of the honey with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Chicken thighs: swap in thighs for juicier meat, just cook longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg