Name: Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Vegetable oil, for searing; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Craving comfort food? Try the Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe for tender, flavorful chicken smothered in savory goodness. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy that brings warmth to your plate and nostalgia to your heart. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe captures the hearty, satisfying spirit of Southern cooking with delightful ease and unforgettable taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the classic Texas Roadhouse taste you love with bold, comforting seasonings.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together effortlessly for a delicious meal.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, so you can enjoy hearty homecooking even on busy nights.
Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect as a family dinner, a cozy lunch, or even a weekend special.
Perfectly Balanced: Juicy chicken with a creamy, savory topping that satisfies your savory and creamy cravings all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe, you’ll want fresh, simple ingredients that create robust flavor and texture. Each plays a role in building the rich gravy and tender chicken that make this dish unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless ones for the best tenderness and even cooking.
Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to get that nice golden crust.
Butter: Adds richness to the gravy and helps caramelize the onions and mushrooms.
Yellow onions: Thinly sliced for a sweet, aromatic base in the smothered sauce.
Cremini mushrooms: These add earthiness and a meaty texture to the gravy.
Garlic cloves: Minced for just the right punch of savory flavor.
Flour: Used to thicken the creamy gravy perfectly.
Chicken broth: The foundation for the smothering sauce’s rich flavor.
Heavy cream: For luscious creaminess in the gravy.
Salt and pepper: To taste and bring out all the other flavors wonderfully.
Dried thyme: A touch of warm, fragrant herb to enhance the dish’s depth.

Variations for Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe

Feel free to personalize this Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences. It’s easy to swap ingredients without losing the essence of the dish.

Use chicken thighs: For extra juiciness and a bit more flavor, switch to boneless thighs instead of breasts.
Dairy-free option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy consistency without dairy.
Add bell peppers: Include sliced bell peppers for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle in some cayenne or smoked paprika for a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving for an indulgent layer.

Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe Made Easy

How to Make Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in sliced onions, mushrooms, and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and mushrooms have released their moisture, about 7 minutes. This builds the flavorful base of your smothering sauce.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour evenly over the onion and mushroom mixture. Stir continuously to cook off the raw taste, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Allow it to thicken and bubble, then stir in heavy cream for richness.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. Once ready, serve hot with plenty of the smothered onions and mushrooms spooned over each piece.

Pro Tips for Making Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe

Pat chicken dry: Ensures better browning and a crispier surface for maximum flavor.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting chicken rest just before serving keeps it juicy.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley added before serving can elevate flavors beautifully.
Control the thickening: Gradually add broth to flour to prevent lumps in the gravy.
Cook over medium heat: Too high heat can burn the gravy; medium heat helps develop a smooth sauce.

How to Serve Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a subtle, fresh flavor contrast to the creamy gravy.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the smothered chicken over fluffy rice or creamy grits for a southern twist, or stuff it into warm dinner rolls for a comforting sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy sauce’s texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more moisture and flavor, making this dish even more succulent and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener in the gravy.

How long does it take to prepare?

This Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe typically takes about 40-50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter to keep it creamy and safe for dairy-free diets.

What should I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttery rice are classic sides that perfectly complement the rich chicken and gravy.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food is calling your name, the Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe is your go-to for tender, savory satisfaction. This recipe’s simplicity combined with rich, bold flavors makes it a winner every single time. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home all year round!

Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse Recipe

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free option available, Dairy-Free option available

Print Recipe

Description

Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse is a comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy. With simple pantry ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook about 7 minutes until onions soften and mushrooms release their moisture, creating a flavorful base.
Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour evenly over the onion and mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, avoiding lumps, and bring to a simmer until thickened and bubbly. Stir in heavy cream for richness.
Smother the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Final Touches: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Serve hot, spooning plenty of smothered onions and mushrooms over each piece of chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning and flavor.
Let the chicken rest briefly before serving to keep it juicy.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhance the dish beautifully when added before serving.
Gradually add broth to flour mixture to prevent lumps in the gravy.
Cook the gravy over medium heat to develop a smooth, rich sauce without burning.
Use boneless chicken thighs as an alternative for extra juiciness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and butter with olive oil.
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Southern American