Ultimate Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat

Welcome to a truly classic restaurant favorite! Get ready to discover this irresistible copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe right in your own kitchen. You’ll enjoy perfectly tender chicken, savory sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a generous blanket of melted Monterey Jack cheese. This dish is perfect for creating an impressive yet easy weeknight meal that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Achieve the authentic, savory taste of your favorite Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken without leaving home.
• Incredibly Tender: The chicken breasts become wonderfully juicy and tender thanks to proper marinating and cooking techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup: Most of this delicious recipe comes together in a single oven-safe pan, simplifying your post-dinner chores.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients or spices to perfectly suit your personal taste preferences and what you have on hand.
• Impressive Dish: Wow your family and friends with this comforting and flavorful meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor. Using quality ingredients will elevate your meal from good to absolutely fantastic.

• 1 1/2- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 medium-large chicken breasts)
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1 tbsp. avocado oil (or other neutral, high heat oil)
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 10 oz. cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp. water (approximately)
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 oz. Monterey Jack cheese (sliced)

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, butterfly them horizontally to ensure more even cooking and tenderness.
• Marinade: While store-bought Italian dressing is convenient, feel free to use your favorite homemade Italian dressing if you prefer.
• Mushrooms: White button mushrooms or baby bellas are excellent alternatives if cremini mushrooms are not available.
• Cheese: Provolone or Havarti cheese slices will provide a similar melty texture and mild flavor profile to Monterey Jack.
• Spices: Remember to adjust the quantities of white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to your personal taste.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes cooking this smothered chicken recipe a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials. A good, heavy-bottomed skillet is key for achieving that perfect sear.

• Large cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet)
• Meat tenderizer or a sturdy fork
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking your fantastic Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken! Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life. Pay attention to browning the chicken and deglazing the pan for maximum flavor.

1. Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board. Using a jacquard tool or a sturdy fork, poke several holes deeply into the meat. If using a fork, stab each side of the chicken breast about 10 to 15 times. This helps the marinade penetrate.
2. Marinate Chicken: Transfer the poked chicken to a dish or a gallon-sized ziploc bag. Wash your hands thoroughly. Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the bag or dish in the fridge.
3. Marinate Further: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or for up to 24 hours. Understanding the culinary science behind this process reveals how acids and enzymes work to break down muscle fibers, making the meat more receptive to flavor. The longer it marinate, the more flavorful and tender your smothered chicken will become.
4. Preheat Oven: Once your chicken is done marinating and you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C).
5. Sear Chicken: Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil to the pan, then carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, allowing a deep brown crust to form without moving the chicken too much.
6. Remove Chicken: Once thoroughly browned on both sides, transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
7. Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and yellow onions, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
8. Deglaze Pan: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible depth to your Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken.
9. Season Vegetables: Stir in the white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt with the mushroom-onion mixture. Mix well to combine the seasonings evenly.
10. Combine & Top: Move the seasoned mushrooms and onions to the side of the skillet, making space for the chicken. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Carefully scoop the mushroom-onion mixture over the top of the chicken, dividing it evenly between the two pieces.
11. Bake & Serve: Top each chicken breast with the Monterey Jack cheese slices. Place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken

• Tenderize Chicken: Do not skip the “jacquard” or poking holes step. This small effort ensures maximum marinade penetration and incredibly tender smothered chicken.
• Deep Brown Sear: Allow your chicken to form a good, deep crust on both sides during searing. This caramelization is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet isn’t large enough to comfortably fit both chicken breasts without touching, cook them in batches. Overcrowding prevents proper browning.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are flavor gold! Scrape them up completely when you add water to deglaze for an intensely flavorful sauce.
• Internal Temperature: For food safety and perfect doneness, always check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer. For comprehensive guidelines on poultry safety, the USDA provides essential information on reaching the safe internal temperature for chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dry Chicken: Ensure you marinate the chicken for the recommended time. Also, closely monitor the baking time and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking past 165°F (74°C).
• Bland Flavor: If you find the flavor lacking, extend the marinating time next time. You can also add a pinch more seasoning to the mushroom-onion mixture while it’s sautéing.
• Mushrooms Won’t Brown: This usually happens if the pan is overcrowded or not hot enough. Cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary, ensuring they have space to release their moisture and brown.

Serving Suggestions

Your delicious Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken deserves equally delightful sides. Here are some classic pairings that will complete your meal perfectly. Each option complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

• Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a perfectly fluffy baked potato.
• Pair it with simple steamed green beans or crisp roasted broccoli for a fresh touch.
• A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast.
• Consider serving with a flavorful rice pilaf or wild rice to soak up all the savory juices.
• Don’t forget warm dinner rolls to scoop up any extra sauce left on your plate!

Storage & Meal Prep

Enjoying your homemade Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken doesn’t have to be a one-time event. Proper storage ensures you can savor the delicious flavors over several days or even weeks.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the cooked chicken and its topping in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken overnight and chop your vegetables ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply assemble and bake fresh for a quicker weeknight meal.

Nutrition Information

This hearty smothered chicken dish offers a satisfying meal with a significant amount of protein, making it a filling option. The detailed nutritional values provided are for a single serving. Consider adjusting ingredients or portion sizes to fit your specific dietary needs or preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use different chicken cuts for this recipe?

  A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay even juicier. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.

• Q: What if I don’t have Italian dressing on hand?

  A: You can easily create a simple marinade using a blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a mix of dried Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and garlic powder.

• Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking?

  A: Proper tenderizing, sufficient marinating time, and carefully monitoring the internal temperature to 165°F (74°C) are key to juicy Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken. Avoid overcooking.

• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time for entertaining?

  A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight and chop all your vegetables in advance. When guests arrive, simply assemble and bake for fresh, hot dinner.

• Q: What kind of skillet is truly best for this recipe?

  A: A cast iron skillet is ideal because it provides superior heat retention and distribution, which is perfect for achieving an excellent sear on the chicken and then finishing in the oven.

Conclusion

You’ve just created a mouth-watering Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken copycat, bringing bold restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. This simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques for a truly comforting and delicious dish. Share this recipe with loved ones and make lasting memories around the dinner table, enjoying a meal that feels special but is wonderfully easy to prepare.

Ultimate Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Copycat

This copycat recipe brings the beloved Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken right to your kitchen, featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and then topped with savory sautéed mushrooms, onions, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the restaurant's iconic taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 27 minutes mins

Total Time 47 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 900

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2-2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 medium-large chicken breasts)
• 1/2 cup italian dressing
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral, high heat oil)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 10 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp water (approximately)
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese (sliced)

Equipment

• Jacquard tool or fork
• Dish or gallon sized ziploc bag
• Cast iron skillet
• Clean plate

Method

 

Instructions

1. Poke several holes in the chicken breasts using a jacquard tool or fork, then place them in a dish or ziploc bag.
2. Pour Italian dressing over the chicken to coat thoroughly, then place it in the fridge to marinate for 2 to 24 hours.
3. Once marinated, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove chicken to a clean plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, then sauté sliced mushrooms and onions for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add water and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Stir in the spices, then move the mushroom and onion mixture to the side of the skillet and return the chicken breasts to the pan.
7. Carefully scoop the mushroom-onion mixture over the chicken, then top each breast with slices of Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. Don't forget to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan when adding water to the mushrooms and onions.