Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of juicy chicken smothered in rich, savory sauce? Today, we’re saddling up and sharing one of our favorite Texas Roadhouse chicken recipes! Our Texas Roadhouse Copycat Smothered Chicken is sure to satisfy!
The best part? You don’t need a horse or a cowboy hat to bring these flavors home! You can recreate this restaurant-quality meal easily with a few simple ingredients!
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just craving some comfort food, this Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe will impress your whole family!
Ingredient Breakdown
For any Texas Roadhouse chicken recipe, start with high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Always choose tender, juicy boneless and skinless chicken breasts as the star of your dish.
Seasonings are super important to achieve the unique taste of Texas Roadhouse chicken recipes. Grab your garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for starters. These humble spices will lay the foundation for a flavorful dish. The combination of herbs and spices is what turns a simple chicken breast into a restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse-worthy meal!
For the Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe, don’t forget your jack cheese and sautéed mushrooms!
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
The first step to get that perfect Texas Roadhouse chicken is by marinating and seasoning your chicken breasts.
To marinate overnight, put your chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag with buttermilk, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
The next day, take them out and pat them dry. Then apply seasoning.
For a basic yet delicious seasoning recipe, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture generously on both sides of the chicken.
Now, let’s cook! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. The goal is to achieve a golden brown and crispy crust on the outside while maintaining a juicy interior.
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, but a meat thermometer is your best friend here. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dry chicken.
Now’s the time to top your chicken with jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions. And hey, perhaps some crispy bacon sprinkled on top would be yummy!
Essential Cooking Tools
You’ll need a large cast iron skillet. It’s the best way to achieve that even, golden brown sear on your chicken because it can get hotter than a traditional non-stick saute pan.
If you’re working with thicker chicken breasts, I recommend a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. That way you don’t have a dry skinny side and a raw thicker side.
A meat thermometer is really handy here. It ensures that your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
Great Side Items
A Texas Roadhouse meal isn’t complete without some hearty sides!
For a classic choice, serve green beans seasoned with garlic and a touch of olive oil. They bring a healthy balance to the rich flavor of the chicken. Another great option, and my personal favorite, is garlic mashed potatoes! They’re creamy and full of flavor, making them a family favorite for busy weeknights.
A fresh salas is always a great option to serve alongside rich, creamy chicken. Try a simple, crisp garden salad dressed with balsamic vinegar, candied pecans and blue cheese.
If you prefer a comforting side, serve macaroni and cheese topped with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese or maybe loaded baked potatoes with cheese and bacon.
Desserts to Die For
After enjoying a delicious meal of Texas Roadhouse chicken recipes, it’s dessert time! You’ll need desserts that contrast the savory and spicy notes of the chicken.
Our favorite is a slice of rich, creamy cheesecake, drizzled with a berry compote to add a touch of tartness.
Or serve a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. My mouth is literally watering!
In the spirit of Texas Roadhouse, why not keep to the southern theme and opt for Pecan pie, a Texas staple.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes cooking Texas Roadhouse chicken recipes at home can lead to mistakes, especially for beginners.
One common mistake which I am guilty of many times is overcooking the chicken. This leads to a dry and tough texture that is hardly appetizing. To fix this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is just right.
Another mistake is under-seasoning or even over-seasoning the chicken. It might take a try or two to find the right balance to suit your tastes.
Lastly, overcrowding the pan when cooking can prevent the chicken from achieving that desirable golden brown crust. I’ve done this so many times as a busy mom who just wants to get dinner on the table, but the quality is always sacrificed for the sake of time. Give each piece enough space in the large skillet, even if it means cooking in batches and taking a few extra minutes.
To recreate that restaurant-quality meal you love from the comfort of your own home, you’ll need a bit of practice and attention to detail, but it is worth it for that final product!
Storing and Reheating
Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make the chicken soggy. Store the chicken in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 days. If you have cooked a large batch, divide it into portions for easier reheating later.
When it comes to reheating, the goal is to hang onto the chicken’s juicy interior and crispy exterior without drying it out.
The best way to reheat is in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or chicken broth to the skillet to keep the chicken moist. Don’t ever reheat chicken in the microwave because it can make the chicken rubbery and unevenly heated.
If you have an air fryer, it can also be a great option for reheating, giving the chicken a nice crispy finish.
New Meals from Leftovers – Creative Ideas
Leftovers are a great way to create a whole new recipe!
Shredded Texas Roadhouse chicken can be added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick and tasty lunch.
You can also chop it up and add it to soups, stews, or casseroles for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Roadhouse Chicken Recipes
1. How Does Texas Roadhouse Get Chicken So Tender?
A: Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its incredibly tender chicken. The secret lies in their marination process. They use a blend of seasonings and let the chicken marinate for several hours, if not overnight. This process not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes it. Another key element is their cooking technique – they often use a combination of grilling and baking, which ensures the chicken is cooked evenly while retaining its moisture.
2. Does Texas Roadhouse Have Baked Chicken?
A: Yes, Texas Roadhouse offers baked chicken as part of their menu. Their baked chicken is seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices, then slow-baked to perfection. This results in a dish that is both flavorful and a healthier option compared to fried alternatives.
3. What is Smothered at Texas Roadhouse?
A: “Smothered” at Texas Roadhouse typically refers to their mouth-watering method of topping a dish with an extra layer of flavor. For chicken, this could mean being smothered in a rich gravy, a blend of cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, or onions. This technique adds depth and richness to the chicken, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
4. How Many Calories are in Texas Roadhouse Herb Chicken?
A: The Texas Roadhouse Herb Chicken is a popular choice for those looking for a flavorful yet healthier option. An average serving of this dish contains about 260-300 calories. This, of course, can vary slightly based on the size of the chicken portion and any additional sides or toppings.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Vitamins and Minerals | % Daily Value* |
5. What is the Secret to Tender Chicken?
A: The secret to tender chicken, as embraced by Texas Roadhouse, involves several key factors:
- Marination: A good marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it. Ingredients like yogurt or citrus in the marinade can break down proteins, making the chicken more tender.
- Proper Cooking: Overcooking can make chicken tough. Texas Roadhouse chefs are experts at cooking the chicken just right, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
Texas Smothered Chicken Copycat
Course: DinnerCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesThis delicious meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring the flavors of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant into the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup jack cheese, grated
1 cup sautéed mushrooms
1 cup caramelized onions
1 cup cream gravy (recipe follows)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Cream Gravy:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken breasts. Place the breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a shallow dish, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness. Marinate in buttermilk and seasoning overnight for best results.
- Pat dry. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination of herbs and spices will give your chicken the rich flavor that’s reminiscent of the Texas Roadhouse smothered chicken.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check). Remember, the thickness of your chicken breasts will affect the cooking time.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Making the Cream Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute to create a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then, stir in heavy cream and continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy will add an extra layer of flavor, making the dish a comfort food favorite.
- Assembling the Smothered Chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts back in the skillet with the gravy. Top each breast with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a generous amount of jack cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Serve the smothered chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish goes wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.