Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken: Recipe, Ingredients & Easy Steps

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken: Craving that melt-in-your-mouth, savory-sweet sensation you get from Texas Roadhouse’s legendary rolls and butter? What if I told you that you could recreate a similar experience, but with juicy, tender chicken? This recipe takes the iconic flavors of that beloved butter and infuses them into a delectable chicken dish that will have your family begging for seconds.

While not officially on the Texas Roadhouse menu, this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe is inspired by the restaurant’s famous honey cinnamon butter. The original butter recipe is a closely guarded secret, but its influence is undeniable. The combination of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and creamy butter creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and addictive. This recipe pays homage to that iconic taste, transforming it into a satisfying and flavorful main course.

People adore this dish because it’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The chicken is incredibly tender, thanks to a simple marinade, and the sauce is rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste. The sweet and savory combination is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even alongside some warm, crusty bread for dipping. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat for best results)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (equal parts grated ginger and minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter (salted)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pinch of sugar (if needed, to balance acidity)
• For Serving:
• Cooked basmati rice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Naan bread (optional)

Marinating the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to marinate the chicken. This is a crucial step because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with all those wonderful spices.

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
2. Mix everything together really well until you have a smooth and creamy marinade.
3. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. I usually aim for at least 4 hours if I have the time.

Preparing the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce:

While the chicken is marinating, we can get started on the star of the show – the Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce! This sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s easier than you think!

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the heavy cream, water, honey, brown sugar, garam masala, red chili powder, crushed fenugreek leaves, and salt.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out. I sometimes add a little extra honey if I want it sweeter.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken. You have a couple of options here: you can either pan-fry it or bake it. I personally prefer pan-frying because it gives the chicken a nice sear, but baking is a healthier option.

Pan-Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook it in batches.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Baking the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
4. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to combine the cooked chicken with that amazing Texas Roadhouse Butter Sauce.

1. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the butter sauce.
2. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. This also helps to thicken the sauce slightly.

Serving:

Alright, the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken is ready to be served! This dish is best served hot with basmati rice and fresh cilantro. Naan bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

1. Serve the butter chicken over a bed of cooked basmati rice.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
3. Serve with naan bread on the side, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tender, juicy chicken bathed in that creamy, subtly sweet, and utterly addictive butter sauce, to the ease of preparation, this dish is destined to become a family favorite. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Butter chicken? That sounds complicated!” But trust me, I’ve broken it down into simple, manageable steps, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The result is a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag or the need to even change out of your pajamas. What’s not to love?

But the real magic lies in the taste. The combination of the savory chicken, the rich butter, and the hint of sweetness is simply irresistible. It’s a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? I highly recommend serving this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a symphony of flavor. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. The vibrant green vegetables provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken and add a healthy dose of nutrients. Naan bread is also a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for scooping up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

Want to kick things up a notch? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some chopped cilantro or fresh ginger for an extra layer of flavor. You could even add some vegetables directly to the sauce, like bell peppers, onions, or peas. The possibilities are endless!

And for those who are watching their carb intake, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It’s just as delicious and allows you to enjoy all the flavors of the dish without the guilt. You can also serve it with a side salad for a lighter meal.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. It’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even the recipe!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!

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