This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a tasty dish that features juicy grilled chicken topped with rich, creamy gravy, and melted cheese. Add some crispy bacon, and you’ve got a winner!
Honestly, who can resist that combo? I love whipping this up for dinner. It’s simple to make and pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or veggies—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect for this dish, but thighs work too for a juicier texture. If you have leftovers, shredded rotisserie chicken can make quick work of this recipe.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a good alternative. You could also skip it entirely for a lighter dish.
Mushrooms: While white or cremini mushrooms add nice earthiness, you can replace them with bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer. Canned mushrooms work in a pinch too.
Cream: Heavy cream creates that rich sauce, but you can substitute with half and half for a lighter version or even use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get My Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is in the seasoning and cooking method. Start by seasoning the chicken generously on both sides—don’t hold back! For cooking:
- Preheat your skillet or grill well to get a nice sear on the chicken, which helps lock in moisture.
- Cook them over medium-high heat, allowing about 6-7 minutes per side. This ensures they’re not overcooked and dry.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps to maintain the juices.
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe Made Easy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes gathering and prepping your ingredients, and then around 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First things first, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the heated grill or skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
3. Prepare the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the bacon strips. Cook until crispy—this will only take a few minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble it into pieces.
4. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms:
Next, keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet. If it’s not enough, add olive oil or butter as needed. Toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms, sautéing them over medium heat until they’re soft and caramelized, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the onions and mushrooms. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let the sauce thicken slightly for about 5 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, placing them right in the creamy sauce. Spoon the delicious onion-mushroom gravy over the chicken, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top!
7. Finish Cooking:
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and ensure everything is heated through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your smothered chicken with fresh parsley. Serve it hot with your favorite sides, like creamy mashed potatoes or fresh green beans. Enjoy your mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse style Smothered Chicken!
FAQs for Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist, or microwave it until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works well and adds a slight sweetness to the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to enhance the dish. Just sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition!
