This easy Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with creamy white gravy, mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its best!
Whenever I make this, I feel like I’m at a restaurant right at home! It’s simple to whip up, and I love serving it with mashed potatoes to soak up all that yummy gravy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts create a juicy base for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with chicken thighs, which are more tender and flavorful.
Mushrooms: I usually opt for cremini mushrooms, as they add a richer flavor compared to white mushrooms. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can swap them for sautéed spinach or bell peppers for a different twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that nice stretch and creaminess. For a sharper taste, you can use Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese alternative.
Oil: I prefer olive oil for searing the chicken because of its flavor. You can use any cooking oil you have on hand, like canola or avocado oil.
How Do You Make the Creamy Gravy without Lumps?
Making smooth gravy can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can nail it! After cooking the onions and mushrooms, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well. This step helps to eliminate lumps.
- When adding the milk, do it slowly while whisking continuously. This helps incorporate it smoothly.
- Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the flour and stir until the gravy thickens.
Have patience, and you’ll end up with that rich, creamy gravy we all love!
Easy 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your smothered chicken in about 35-40 minutes! Perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). It will be ready for your chicken when you are!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure they are evenly coated for the best flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them through, as they will finish baking later. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In that same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir it in well and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes so the flour loses its raw taste. Then, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Cook this mixture until it thickens and becomes creamy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Don’t forget to add the salt and black pepper for extra seasoning!
6. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the gravy. Make sure each piece is covered in that delicious sauce!
7. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each chicken breast. This will create that gooey, cheesy topping we love.
8. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
9. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the dish to set and makes serving easier!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your smothered chicken with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, and spoon some extra gravy over the top for that classic Texas Roadhouse touch. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, season and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the skillet to thicken the gravy.
What are Good Side Dishes for Smothered Chicken?
This smothered chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
