Texas Butter Chicken Skillet

This Texas Butter Chicken Skillet combines rich, buttery sauce with tender chicken and bold Southwestern flavors.

Quick Answer: Make Texas Butter Chicken Skillet by searing seasoned chicken in butter until golden, then creating a creamy sauce with garlic, herbs, and Tex-Mex spices. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-free

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce with a perfect blend of butter and Southwestern spices
One-pan meal ready in under an hour
Family-friendly comfort food that’s easily customizable
Budget-friendly using simple pantry ingredients
Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully

Quick Benefits

This Texas Butter Chicken Skillet delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a home-cooked meal. The velvety sauce combines classic butter chicken elements with Tex-Mex flair, creating a unique fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp honey
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side.
Flip chicken and cook an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring doneness.
In a small bowl, blend softened butter with honey until combined.
Lower heat to low, pour butter-honey mixture over chicken, spooning the sauce continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat evenly.
Remove skillet from heat, garnish chicken with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

You Must Know

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken
Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready
Adjust spice level to taste
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heating
Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C)

Serving Suggestions

Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
Warm tortillas
Mexican-style street corn
Fresh avocado slices
Black beans

Creative Variations

Substitute chicken breast for lighter version
Add roasted poblano peppers for smokiness
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Add corn and black beans for a heartier dish

Cultural Notes

This fusion dish combines the rich, creamy elements of Indian butter chicken with Tex-Mex flavors characteristic of Texas cuisine. It represents the multicultural food landscape of modern Texas, where traditional cooking methods meet innovative flavor combinations.

Pro Tips

Pat chicken dry before searing for better browning
Deglaze pan with a splash of chicken broth if needed
Let sauce reduce if too thin
Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Texas Butter Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
A: Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop.

Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A: A cast-iron or heavy stainless steel skillet works best.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: The heat level is moderate but customizable.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, just increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Health Benefits

This Texas Butter Chicken Skillet provides lean protein from chicken thighs and healthy fats from butter. The tomatoes add lycopene and vitamin C, while garlic and onions contribute antioxidants. For a lighter version, use light cream or reduce butter.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 12g • Protein: 42g • Fat: 48g • Sodium: 780mg

Notes

For best results, bring chicken to room temperature before cooking and don’t rush the sauce reduction process.