Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
There’s something impossibly comforting about a plate of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken. Every bite is bursting with juicy, seasoned chicken breast, golden sautéed onions, buttery mushrooms, and a blanket of melted Monterey Jack cheese that pulls everything together. It’s a restaurant classic that’s deceptively easy to recreate at home, and the flavors somehow manage to be both decadent and familiar. If you’ve been craving Texas-style comfort, this dish brings the heart of the steakhouse straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is how the recipe relies on just a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the seasoned salt to boost the chicken’s flavor, to the mushrooms and cheese for rich, savory depth. Simple, yes, but absolutely essential for that true copycat taste!
- 2 large chicken breasts: Choose plump, fresh chicken breasts for the juiciest result; slicing in half ensures they cook evenly.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s): This gives the chicken a savory kick you don’t want to skip—it’s key for that signature flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mellow heat to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus extra if needed): Butter brings richness to the pan and helps the onions and mushrooms caramelize beautifully.
- 1 medium onion (cut into 1/4-inch slices): Slicing evenly ensures the onion softens and turns sweet as it cooks.
- Salt: A big pinch elevates the natural flavors of both onions and mushrooms.
- 1/2 pound button mushrooms (sliced): Mushrooms add earthy flavor and a tender, juicy bite to the finished dish.
- 1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese (shredded): This cheese melts smoothly, forming a luscious layer over the other toppings.
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally. Then, sandwich each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet. You don’t want to flatten them paper-thin—just aim for a consistent thickness so everything cooks evenly. Next, generously season both sides of the chicken with the seasoned salt and pepper. That extra little attention here guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time!
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
Grab your largest skillet and melt the tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is foaming, toss in those onion slices along with a healthy pinch of salt. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring now and then, until the onions turn soft and start to glisten. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook another three to four minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and picking up some golden color. Scoop the mushrooms and onions out of the skillet and set them aside for later—you’ll be piling them on top soon!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If your skillet looks a bit dry, add another teaspoon of butter so the chicken doesn’t stick. Lay the chicken breasts flat in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd (if needed, cook them in batches). Let them sizzle for six to eight minutes on the first side without moving them around—this builds a delicious crust! Flip each piece carefully, and cook the other side for another three to four minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Step 4: Smother and Melt
Return the sautéed onions and mushrooms to the pan, piling them evenly on top of each chicken piece. Sprinkle that generous handful of Monterey Jack cheese over everything. The heat from the pan will melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible topping. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, turn off the stove and get ready to serve this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken while it’s still piping hot!
How to Serve Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the smothered chicken. If you want to brighten things up even more, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top works wonders for cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, steamed green beans, or a big baked potato. For a homestyle steakhouse vibe, serve with a soft dinner roll to mop up any extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or garlicky mashed cauliflower, letting the melted cheese and savory toppings cascade down the sides. Entertaining? Slice the chicken and pile onto slider buns with a drizzle of barbecue sauce for crowd-pleasing Texas-style sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this a wonderful lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the chicken topped with the sautéed onions and mushrooms, but wait to add fresh cheese until reheating—this keeps everything gooey and fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the chicken and its toppings in an oven-safe dish and top with fresh shredded cheese if needed. Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, then uncover for the last few minutes so the cheese gets melty again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will bring its own personality to the dish.
Do I have to use button mushrooms?
Not at all! Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are fantastic alternatives and add a slightly deeper flavor. This recipe is incredibly flexible, so use your favorite variety.
How do I make this dish a little lighter?
You can cut back on the butter or substitute with olive oil. For an even lighter version, skip the cheese or use a reduced-fat option. The result will still capture the essence of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, you can cook all the elements and store them separately, then assemble and melt the cheese just before serving. This keeps everything tasting freshly made and helps the cheese stay perfectly gooey.
Is it possible to grill the chicken instead?
Definitely—the smoky char from the grill adds another layer of flavor. Just follow the same seasoning and pounding technique, grill the chicken, then smother with the sautéed veggies and cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for hearty, steakhouse-style flavor in your own kitchen, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is the perfect dish to try. Whip up a batch for your next family dinner or weekend gathering and watch it disappear fast—there’s just nothing quite like homemade comfort food to bring everyone together!
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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe is a savory and cheesy dish that will remind you of your favorite restaurant meal. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, cooked to perfection, and then smothered with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. A delicious comfort food option for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Smothered Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus extra if needed)
- 1 medium onion (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 pound button mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally. Pound each half to uniform thickness and season with seasoned salt and pepper.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In a skillet, sauté onions with salt, then add mushrooms until browned. Remove from skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in the skillet until done on each side.
- Smother and Serve: Top chicken with onions, mushrooms, and Monterey Jack cheese. Melt cheese and serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite cheeses or additional seasonings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Copycat Texas Roadhouse, Smothered Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food
