Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a hearty dish that’s loaded with flavor! It’s made with tender chicken breasts topped with cheese and crispy bacon, then smothered in rich gravy.
If you’re like me, bacon makes everything better! I love serving this dish with some warm rolls on the side—perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want to mix things up, try using thighs for a juicier bite or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well! You can also skip the bacon altogether if you prefer a lighter dish.
Cheese: Cheddar is the go-to for that melty, rich flavor. Monterey Jack is another great option for a milder taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a different twist.
Mushrooms and Onions: These are optional but add a delicious depth to the gravy. Feel free to swap mushrooms for bell peppers or skip them entirely if you’re not a fan of fungi.
How Do I Create a Creamy Gravy for My Chicken?
Making a rich gravy is simpler than you think! First, the roux is your secret weapon—it combines fat (butter) with flour to create a base. Here’s how:
- Cook your onions (and mushrooms) until soft to enhance their flavor.
- Sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring. This step is essential to avoid a floury taste.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth; this helps prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens—about 3-5 minutes.
Don’t rush! Taking the time to develop flavors makes a delicious difference. Enjoy your cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
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 paprika
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear nicely! Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to give them a flavorful kick.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them until they’re golden brown on each side, about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure they’re fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside for now.
3. Make the Gravy:
Using the same skillet, add the butter. Once it melts, toss in the diced onions and sliced mushrooms (if you’re using them) and sauté until they become soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously for about 1 minute—this is called making a roux, and it’s key to having a delicious gravy!
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You want it nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
5. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the yummy gravy all over them. This is where the magic starts to happen!
6. Top with Cheese and Bacon:
Now, it’s time to top each chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded cheese and the chopped bacon pieces. It’s going to be cheesy and crispy—just the way we like it!
7. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the skillet sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, delicious blanket over the chicken.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color! Serve your Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken hot, and don’t forget those sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or soft rolls to soak up all that amazing gravy!
Enjoy your delicious Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken made right at home!
FAQs for Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water if you’re short on time. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you want to lighten up the dish, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture, reduce the amount of cheese, or use low-fat cheese. You can also substitute turkey bacon or skip the bacon altogether!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can season and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before you want to serve. When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken and gravy on the stove before adding cheese and bacon to melt.
What Should I Serve with Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. For a low-carb option, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are great choices to complement the creamy flavor!
