Texas Butter Chicken Skillet

This Texas Butter Chicken Skillet features tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown in olive oil and gently coated with a silky butter and honey sauce. Aromatic garlic powder and a hint of paprika bring subtle depth while fresh parsley brightens the dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it balances creamy richness with savory spices for comforting and flavorful bites. Easy to prepare and reheat, it maintains a luscious texture even after storing.

I first made this dish after craving something cozy yet quick and it immediately became a repeat favorite at my house. The buttery sauce coats the chicken so well it feels like a special treat every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for even cooking and tender meat
• Olive oil: crisps the chicken edges while keeping it moist inside
• Unsalted butter: softened to blend smoothly with honey without clumping
• Honey: adds natural sweetness balancing the savory spices and butter
• Garlic powder: infuses a warm aroma without the sharpness fresh garlic can bring
• Salt: essential to enhance every flavor in the dish
• Black pepper: adds a mild heat complementing all other spices
• Paprika: optional but recommended for subtle smoky depth and a touch of color
• Chopped parsley: fresh garnish that brightens the rich dish both visually and flavor wise

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Pat each chicken breast dry then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts carefully and cook undisturbed for about five to six minutes until the underside turns a golden brown crust. This golden crust builds flavor and locks in juices.

Flip and Finish Cooking:

Turn the chicken breasts over and cook for another five to six minutes. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe doneness. The chicken should feel firm but remain juicy to the bite.

Make the Butter Honey Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine softened butter and honey, mixing until smooth and creamy. Lower the skillet heat to low so the sauce does not burn when added.

Coat the Chicken:

Pour the butter and honey mixture over the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet. Using a spoon, baste the sauce continuously for one to two minutes as it melts into the meat creating a glossy coating that enhances moisture and flavor.

Serve and Garnish:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This fresh green touch adds color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the sauce creaminess at its best.

My favorite ingredient in this dish is the honey which cuts through the richness leaving a sticky sweet glaze that makes the chicken memorable. A friend once told me this recipe could convert even picky eaters and I agree after seeing repeated requests at my table.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet rather than a microwave to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap unsalted butter with ghee for a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point which works well for cooking. If you want a vegan option or don’t have honey, maple syrup makes a great sweet alternative. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder but should be finely minced and added during cooking to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

This butter chicken pairs beautifully with warm buttery mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf that soaks up the luscious sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a crisp contrast and fresh color. For a no fuss meal, serve over buttered egg noodles for a hearty one skillet dinner.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat well for quick weeknight meals.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensure even cooking and tender texture ideal for this dish.

→ Can the butter sauce richness be adjusted?

Yes, changing butter or honey amounts lets you create a lighter or sweeter glaze to suit your taste.

→ Is paprika required in the dish?

Paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances depth and color.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers airtight in the fridge up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to preserve the sauce.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet?

Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green salad complement the buttery, savory flavors beautifully.

→ How to tell when chicken is cooked thoroughly?

Cook chicken until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the meat is no longer pink inside.