Description: This Honey-Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the comfort of Texas Roadhouse-inspired flavors right to your kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious, buttery, honey-garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) or equivalent amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons honey (preferably a mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, green onions, red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear in the skillet. If the chicken breasts are very thick (more than an inch), you can either butterfly them (slice horizontally through the center, almost all the way, then open them like a book) or pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking. Step 2: Mix the Butter Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, garlic powder (or minced garlic), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to thoroughly mix these ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This is your flavor base, so make sure it’s well blended. Step 3: Season the Chicken: Season the prepared chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the chicken directly for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will make a big difference in the final taste. Step 4: Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium heat. Add the olive oil or avocado oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up for a minute or two until it is shimmering and easily spreads across the surface of the pan. The pan needs to be hot enough to sear the chicken properly, but not so hot that the oil starts to smoke. Step 5: Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure that each piece gets a good sear. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep it warm. Step 6: Deglaze the Skillet: With the chicken removed, pour the chicken broth into the same skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits (also known as fond) are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Simmer the broth for a minute or two, scraping constantly, until the liquid is reduced slightly. Step 7: Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the prepared butter sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as the butter can separate if it gets too hot. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preferences. Step 8: Finish the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and gently coat them with the honey-garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure that it is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. Step 9: Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh or dried parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If desired, you can also top the chicken with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone work well) and/or caramelized onions. Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt, if using. Serve the Honey-Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet hot, straight from the skillet, with your favorite sides.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal prep time and cooks in just about 20 minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a sweet and savory sauce that is simply irresistible. The smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup!
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, add different vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious honey-garlic butter sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is a great option for absorbing the sauce.
- Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken dish.
Tips:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Be careful not to overcook it in the skillet.
- Use Fresh Garlic: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
- Chicken Thighs: For a richer, more flavorful dish, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Thighs tend to stay more moist during cooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Sodium: 400-500mg (depending on the broth used)
Conclusion:
This Honey-Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a guaranteed winner for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and comforting meal. The combination of juicy chicken in a sweet and savory sauce makes it a family-friendly option that can be easily adapted to individual tastes. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying dish. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Texas Roadhouse-inspired bliss in the comfort of your own home!
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during cooking. Just be sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thighs often take a few minutes longer to cook.
Q2: I don’t have smoked paprika. Can I use regular paprika?
A2: Yes, you can substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika, but the flavor will be slightly different. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish, while regular paprika is milder and sweeter. If you don’t have either, you can omit the paprika altogether, but I recommend trying to find smoked paprika as it really enhances the overall flavor profile.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A3: Certainly! Adding vegetables is a great way to make this dish even healthier and more substantial. Some good options include broccoli florets, asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers, sliced onions, or mushrooms. Add the vegetables to the skillet after cooking the chicken and sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A4: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier. First, use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content. Second, use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a healthier fat source. Third, increase the amount of vegetables in the dish. Finally, use a smaller amount of honey to reduce the sugar content.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A5: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. After searing the chicken in the skillet, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Add the chicken broth and butter sauce to the skillet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This method is great if you want to cook the chicken and sauce together in one step.