Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat Recipe

Texas Roadhouse is famous for its hearty, Southern-style dishes, and one of its most beloved menu items is the Smothered Chicken. This dish features tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a flavorful combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that make it a go-to favorite for many.

In this Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat Recipe, we’ll show you how to recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, giving you the same restaurant-quality experience without having to leave your kitchen. With perfectly seasoned chicken, savory mushrooms and onions, and gooey melted cheese, this smothered chicken is the ultimate dinner indulgence. The best part? It’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

Whether you’re a fan of Texas Roadhouse or just looking for a delicious new chicken recipe, this smothered chicken will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality meal at home: This copycat recipe delivers the same delicious flavors you love from Texas Roadhouse, all in the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Easy to make: With basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable: You can tweak the toppings or even swap the cheese for your favorite variety to suit your personal tastes.
• Protein-packed: With tender chicken breasts as the main component, this dish is a great source of lean protein.
• Family-friendly: Everyone in the family will enjoy this flavorful, cheesy, and hearty chicken dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Flatten the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F) or heat a large grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken: Lightly brush the grill grates or grill pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through but still juicy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the vegetables.
2. Sauté the onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. The onions should take on a golden-brown color.
3. Add the mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and tender. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add an additional tablespoon of butter during this step.
4. Season to taste: Season the onion and mushroom mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the vegetables are fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Smothered Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You will be using the oven to melt the cheese and warm the dish.
2. Layer the chicken: Place the grilled chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Spoon the sautéed onions and mushrooms evenly over each chicken breast, making sure each piece is generously covered.
3. Add the cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle that on top as well for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Melt the cheese: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You can switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two if you want the cheese to get slightly golden and crispy.
2. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the smothered chicken hot, with your choice of sides.

Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken

1. Choose the right chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about the same size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still cooking.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
3. Use a cast-iron skillet: For even cooking and added flavor, use a cast-iron skillet to sear the chicken and cook the onions and mushrooms. This type of skillet retains heat well and helps create a nice crust on the chicken.
4. Get creative with the toppings: While this recipe calls for mushrooms, onions, and cheese, you can add your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing for smothered chicken, as they complement the savory toppings and soak up the delicious juices.
• Steamed vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal with a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies.
• Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Variations

1. Smothered Chicken with Bacon

• Add crispy bacon bits on top of the melted cheese for a smoky, savory twist. The crunch from the bacon pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and gooey cheese.

2. Barbecue Smothered Chicken

• Before adding the cheese, drizzle the grilled chicken breasts with your favorite barbecue sauce. This adds a tangy, sweet flavor that complements the onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

3. Creamy Smothered Chicken

• For an extra indulgent version, add a layer of cream sauce before topping the chicken with the mushrooms, onions, and cheese. A simple cream sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and a pinch of Parmesan will add a luxurious texture.

4. Smothered Chicken with Bell Peppers

• Add sliced bell peppers to the onion and mushroom mixture for extra color and sweetness. The peppers bring a fresh, crisp texture that brightens up the dish.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the popular restaurant right into your kitchen. With tender grilled chicken breasts, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with extra toppings and sauces, this smothered chicken is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serve it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This recipe is easy to make, but the results are so impressive that it feels like you’re dining out at a restaurant.

Yield: 4

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat Recipe

Print

Texas Roadhouse is famous for its hearty, Southern-style dishes, and one of its most beloved menu items is the Smothered Chicken. This dish features tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a flavorful combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that make it a go-to favorite for many.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for added moisture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
   
3. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the mushrooms and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
   
4. Optional Step – Add Chicken Broth:
   For extra moisture and flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the skillet while cooking the onions and mushrooms. Let it simmer and reduce slightly to enhance the flavors.
   
5. Smother the Chicken:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion and mushroom mixture. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms and onions over the top of each chicken breast.
   
6. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack (or cheddar) cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
   
7. Serve:
   Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the smothered chicken with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the smothered chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete meal.

For an extra touch of Texas Roadhouse flair, serve with dinner rolls and honey butter.