This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish topped with creamy gravy, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s hearty and satisfying, just like the restaurant version!
Who doesn’t love a big plate of cheesy goodness? I love pairing it with mashed potatoes or a simple side salad. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give this dish a tender texture. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs take a bit longer.
Cheese: I always stick with cheddar for that classic taste, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack if you like a bit of spice. You could use vegan cheese substitutes for a dairy-free option.
Mushrooms: Sliced white or cremini mushrooms work great. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could leave them out or substitute them with spinach or kale for a different flavor and texture.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead, but the sauce may not be as thick.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is key to this dish. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking. If they’re thick, you can pound them gently to an even height.
- Cook them over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
With these simple tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe Copycat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give the chicken lots of delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts one by one. Cook until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, bell pepper, and onions. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan—this adds extra flavor! Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Cream:
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. This is what makes the dish extra indulgent!
6. Return Chicken to the Skillet:
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the creamy mushroom and pepper mixture over each piece. This is where the smothering happens!
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the cheese to melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You want that cheesy goodness!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once the cheese has melted, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken hot with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Dig in and savor every bite of this homemade Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken—it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a little longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk and use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese for topping.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or even corn to the dish for added nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables.
