Description
This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe features tender, buttery chicken breasts topped with savory sautéed onions and mushrooms, finished with melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for a comforting dinner inspired by a classic steakhouse favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter plus extra if needed
- Salt, to taste
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 pound button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. Place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until the thickness is uniform. This ensures even cooking. Season each piece with seasoned salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions with a two-finger pinch of salt and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to brown. Remove the cooked onions and mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: If the skillet is dry after removing the vegetables, add an additional teaspoon of butter. Place the chicken pieces into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on one side without moving it to allow a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with the sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or turn off the stove to allow the cheese to melt slowly without burning the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the smothered chicken hot, ideally with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables to complete the meal.
Notes
- To achieve juicier chicken, avoid overcooking; cook just until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese according to preference.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin gently to avoid tearing the chicken when pounding it.
- If you prefer, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after cooking the chicken for extra flavor before adding the vegetables back.
