If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, then you know just how delicious their Smothered Chicken is. Tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy, flavorful sauce and melted jack cheese—it’s the kind of dish that leaves you wanting more. The great news is, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese is quick to prepare, yet feels like a hearty, comforting meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. The chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, then smothered with a flavorful blend of sautéed onions, creamy gravy, and of course, melted jack cheese. The combination of textures—crispy golden edges, tender chicken, and gooey cheese—is a guaranteed winner. Plus, this recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight but special enough for a dinner party. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something fancy while keeping things simple at home.
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list is below in the recipe card.)
To make this Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese, you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion (sliced thinly)
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Shredded jack cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
These simple ingredients come together to create an incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. The savory gravy, caramelized onions, and melty cheese are what truly elevate the chicken to the next level.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then add the sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized—about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing rich, sweet onion flavor that complements the savory chicken.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Sauce
Once the onions are caramelized, add chicken broth to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits left on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them in the center of the onion and cream sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it. Sprinkle the shredded jack cheese generously on top of each piece of chicken, ensuring the cheese is spread evenly.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the smothered chicken with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, you may want to slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, and also makes them easier to smother with sauce.
- Gravy Thickness: If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of additional chicken broth or a little bit of water.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top of the chicken before covering the skillet. You can also mix in a little cheddar cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Don’t rush this step, as it adds a lot of depth to the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can sauté the onions for a shorter period, but the longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll become.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Cheese: While jack cheese is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the gravy sauce or add a few slices of jalapeño on top of the chicken before covering with cheese.
- Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits on top of the cheese before serving. The smokiness of bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor. Simply cook the mushrooms along with the onions until they are tender before adding the chicken broth and cream.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with a thick-cut eggplant or portobello mushroom cap. Just cook them the same way and smother with the sauce and cheese for a hearty, meatless meal.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese is a rich, indulgent dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, try serving it with:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up the delicious gravy, making them the perfect side dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a nice balance to the richness of the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf works well to absorb the sauce and adds a bit of texture to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread to mop up all that extra creamy sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken will continue to soak up the flavors of the sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
4 FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re more tender and juicy, so they’re a good choice if you prefer dark meat.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. The texture will be a little less rich, but still delicious.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and cook the dish when you’re ready to serve.
- How can I make this dish spicier? To add some heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of the restaurant right to your kitchen. With juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, caramelized onions, creamy gravy, and gooey melted cheese, this dish has all the comforting elements you need. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or serving guests at a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade version of one of your favorite restaurant dishes!
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Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 chicken breast per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course / Chicken
- Method: Sautéing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy, grilled chicken breasts with a rich, creamy layer of cheese, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. The flavors meld together to create a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. A true taste of the restaurant-style smothered chicken, right at home!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the smothered topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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Prepare the smothered topping: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and caramelized. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
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Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
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Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded Jack cheese and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Smother the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the creamy mushroom and onion mixture over each chicken breast. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense mushroom flavor, you can use a mix of wild mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- You can make this recipe ahead of time by cooking the chicken and the topping separately, then assembling and reheating when ready to serve.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference. If you like a bit of heat, adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will spice it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 135mg