This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken breasts topped with creamy gravy, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you need a substitute, consider using chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.
Seasoned Salt: If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use a mix of regular salt and a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for a similar effect.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add great flavor, but you can swap them with canned mushrooms or even spinach for a different twist.
Cheese: While cheddar is classic, pepper jack gives a nice kick. You could also use mozzarella for a milder taste.
Milk: Heavy cream creates a richer gravy, but low-fat milk works too if you’re watching your calories.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Thick Gravy?
Making the gravy might seem tricky, but it’s really quite simple! Begin by adding the flour to the cooked mushrooms and onions. This step is crucial to combat any raw flour taste. Carefully stir to coat them evenly for about a minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk a little at a time. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps.
- Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken; this should take 3-5 minutes. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth.
This method will ensure a smooth and flavorful gravy every time!
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer gravy)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for some spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and 20-30 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will flavor the chicken beautifully!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Stir them around and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become soft and the mushrooms are nicely browned.
4. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir well to coat everything evenly, cooking for about 1 minute. This step helps eliminate the raw flour flavor. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens up nicely.
5. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the flavorful gravy with mushrooms and onions generously over the chicken.
6. Add the Cheese:
Top each chicken breast with a slice of cheese. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a pop of color, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve your delicious Smothered Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or fresh green beans. Enjoy!
This dish will make you feel like you’re dining at Texas Roadhouse right at home! Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method. Be sure to pat it dry before seasoning!
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with a side salad for a fresh crunch! Try garlic bread for a delicious carb addition too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and make the gravy ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat everything and top with cheese to enjoy the dish warm and gooey!