Name: Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

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Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a bold, savory dish featuring juicy chicken seared to perfection and coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and smoky seasoning. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it’s the kind of hearty, comforting meal I love to whip up when I’m craving something flavorful and rustic with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish blends the down-home feel of a roadhouse-style meal with the rich, buttery flavors of a skillet sauce. The chicken turns out juicy and golden, and the sauce? Buttery, garlicky, and so good I want to mop it up with bread or pour it over potatoes or rice. It’s fast, filling, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Olive oil or butter (for searing)
Unsalted butter (for sauce)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth or stock
Heavy cream (optional for added richness)
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
I heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes per side. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
If I want a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
I return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. I let it simmer gently for 2–3 more minutes.
I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook—ready in around 35–40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for a little extra depth. I’ve also swapped the cream for sour cream or Greek yogurt, or added a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for heat. For a lower-fat option, I use just broth and a touch of milk.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave gently, adding a splash of broth if the sauce needs loosening.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, I just adjust the cook time and ensure it’s fully cooked through to 165°F. I sometimes finish bone-in chicken in the oven after searing.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cream. Coconut milk adds richness without dairy if I want a creamy texture.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

I don’t overcook it—just until it reaches 165°F internally. Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing also helps lock in moisture.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. I stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed green beans near the end for a full one-pan meal.

Conclusion

Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is a rich, hearty dinner that brings serious flavor to the table with simple ingredients and one pan. Whether I serve it with potatoes, pasta, or veggies, this buttery, savory chicken dish is a go-to in my kitchen when I want comfort food that’s fast, filling, and downright delicious.