Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe – Best Dinner Ideas
Why Make This Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a fantastic dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a great choice for families or anyone looking to whip up something delicious for dinner. This recipe takes chicken breasts and elevates them with savory sautéed mushrooms, onions, and gooey cheese, giving you a delightful meal you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare at home, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality food without the price tag or the need to go out.
When you’re in the mood for something hearty, this smothered chicken is perfect. It combines tender chicken with a rich sauce that hugs each bite, ensuring a flavorful experience. Whether you are having a casual dinner night or need to impress guests, this dish will fit right in. Everyone loves a good smothered chicken, and this recipe encapsulates everything great about comfort food.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and cook up some Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken at home, here’s how to do it step by step. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the process, and before you know it, you’ll have an impressive dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for richer sauce)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
-
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps in melting the cheese nicely.
-
Season the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
-
Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
-
Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter. Allow it to melt and then add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes until they soften and turn golden brown.
-
Add the Mushrooms: Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until they are tender and browned.
-
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Incorporate Heavy Cream (Optional): If you want a richer flavor, stir in the heavy cream at this point. It adds creaminess to the sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
-
Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the mushroom and onion mixture over the tops of each chicken breast, making sure they are well covered.
-
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken and toppings.
-
Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, paired with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is best served hot right out of the oven. You can serve it with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The rich sauce from the chicken complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier option, consider serving with steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots. They add a nice crunch and balance to the dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you prefer grains, a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious sauce and make for a rewarding meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are great for mopping up the sauce.
Feel free to customize your serving options. The beauty of this dish is that it goes well with many sides, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
How to Store Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
If you have leftover smothered chicken (which is often quite rare, given how delicious it is!), you can store it properly to enjoy later. Here are a few tips:
-
Cool Down: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps to avoid condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
-
Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the chicken (including all the sauce, mushrooms, and onions) into an airtight container. It’s essential to keep it covered to maintain moisture and flavor.
-
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you know you won’t eat it within this time, consider freezing it instead.
-
To Freeze: For long-term storage, you can freeze the smothered chicken. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should last for about 2-3 months.
-
Reheat Properly: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water for moisture. Stir gently as it heats.
Tips to Make Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
To ensure your smothered chicken turns out great every time, here are some handy tips:
-
Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Look for ones with a nice pink color and firm texture.
-
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it during the searing stage. You want it golden but not fully cooked through yet, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
-
Slice Vegetables Thinly: To achieve a nice caramelization, make sure to slice the onions and mushrooms thinly. This helps them cook faster and ensures even distribution across the chicken.
-
Experiment with Cheeses: While Monterey Jack is a great choice for its melting qualities, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavors.
-
Serve with Homemade Gravy: If you have time, making a simple gravy with the fond left in the skillet after cooking the chicken can add extra richness to the dish.
-
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for more depth in flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste.
Variation
While the basic recipe is already satisfying, there are several variations you can explore to keep things interesting. Here are a few suggestions:
-
Spicy Version: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will give your smothered chicken an exciting kick.
-
Different Proteins: For those who prefer other proteins, this dish works well with pork or turkey breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so just keep an eye on the internal temperature.
-
Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or even cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian twist. Prepare the same sauce to accompany the veggies.
-
Add Spinach or Kale: For added nutrients and color, toss in some fresh spinach or kale along with the mushrooms. They will wilt down nicely and add a fresh element to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Ensure they are fully thawed before starting the recipe. Cooking from frozen is not advisable, as it will require different cooking times.
2. Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, sear the chicken and cook the onions and mushrooms in a skillet first. Then add everything to the slow cooker with the chicken broth and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just be mindful of the cooking times for each vegetable.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can skip it, or you can use milk or half-and-half. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, assemble and bake according to the directions.
Combining fragrant flavors and satisfying textures, Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken stands out as a go-to recipe for dinner. Everyone will love it and appreciate your culinary skills in creating such a delightful dish. Enjoy your cooking, and even more so, enjoy your meal!
PrintTexas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
A comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in sautéed mushrooms, onions, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or to impress guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the onions for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes.
- If using, stir in heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the onion and mushroom mixture over it.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to customize serving options; pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or grain sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
