This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a juicy delight, topped with creamy gravy, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Cooking this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a cozy dinner, I love pairing it with mashed potatoes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which add more flavor and moisture.
Mushrooms: White mushrooms are great, but you can substitute with cremini or even shiitake mushrooms for a deeper flavor. If you’re not a mushroom fan, just skip them or use spinach instead.
Cheddar Cheese: I suggest using sharp cheddar for a stronger taste. If you prefer something milder, opt for Monterey Jack or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy. Coconut milk also works well for a dairy-free alternative!
How Do You Make the Gravy Perfectly Smooth?
The key to a silky gravy is in how you combine your ingredients. Here’s how to ensure it comes out smooth every time:
- Make sure you sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables gradually, stirring to combine. This keeps lumps from forming.
- When you add the chicken broth, do it slowly while stirring constantly. This helps the flour mix in without clumping.
- Let the mixture simmer gently after adding the cream to allow it to thicken without boiling too rapidly, which can cause separation.
Follow these tips, and your gravy will be rich and delicious, just like at Texas Roadhouse! Enjoy cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious way to bring a bit of Texas Roadhouse to your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is well coated for maximum flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, green bell pepper, and yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. You want them to be soft and flavorful to complement the chicken.
4. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to add some minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells incredible, but be careful not to burn it!
5. Prepare the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine it. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Next, gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps forming.
6. thicken the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then stir in the heavy cream and cook the gravy until it thickens up nicely; this should take about 3-5 minutes!
7. Combine Chicken and Cheese:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of that flavorful gravy and sautéed veggies over each piece. Top each chicken breast with a slice of cheddar cheese.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt over the chicken. This should only take about 3 minutes over low heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken!
This hearty dish is sure to impress your family or guests with its delightful flavors and creamy texture. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish since they contain a little more fat. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt. Also, using less oil for cooking and opting for lower-sodium chicken broth can cut down on calories and sodium.
What Should I Serve with Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, checking to ensure it’s heated through without overcooking the chicken.
These FAQs should help clarify any common questions that may arise while preparing or enjoying your Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken!
