I still remember the first time I had Smothered Chicken at Texas Roadhouse. I was working in the kitchen as a line cook, and a customer had customized their order by adding extra cheese and bacon. When I plated it, the melted cheese draped over the grilled chicken, mixing with the buttery sautéed mushrooms and onions it was a thing of beauty.
Now, as a chef, I love recreating restaurant-style dishes at home, and this one is a must-try if you want that Texas Roadhouse flavor right in your own kitchen.
Let me take you behind the scenes and show you how Texas Roadhouse makes Smothered Chicken, plus how you can recreate it step-by-step.
What is Smothered Chicken at Texas Roadhouse?
At Texas Roadhouse, Smothered Chicken is a grilled chicken breast loaded with:
- Melted jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Grilled onions
It’s served with two sides of your choice, like buttery mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or fresh vegetables.
Now, what makes this dish so special? It’s all about the grill—that open-flame, smoky char gives it that authentic Texas Roadhouse taste.
My Experience Cooking at Texas Roadhouse
Back in my restaurant days, we had to move fast. Every dish had to be consistent, and we followed a strict process to make sure the chicken was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
- Marination: We used a house blend of garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and oil to keep the chicken tender.
- Grilling: The grill had to be at the right temperature (around 400°F) for the perfect sear.
- Toppings: Mushrooms and onions were sautéed low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Melting the Cheese: We’d cover the chicken for a few seconds to let the cheese melt perfectly over the toppings.
And let me tell you when that sizzling plate hit the table, it turned heads.
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe – Chef’s Homemade Version
Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan For searing the chicken and getting that Texas Roadhouse-style char.
- 2 Medium Saucepan To sauté mushrooms and onions.
- 3 Cutting Board & Sharp Knife For slicing the chicken, mushrooms, and onions.
- 4 Mixing Bowls For seasoning and marinating the chicken.
- 5 Tongs To flip the chicken while cooking.
- 6 Oven (Optional) If you want to broil the cheese for a melted, golden finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
- Optional: 2 slices of crispy bacon
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Drizzle olive oil over them and let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until nicely charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms & Onions
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and onions and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
4. Smother the Chicken
- Place the grilled chicken on a baking tray.
- Add a generous layer of sautéed onions and mushrooms.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese (and bacon, if using).
5. Melt the Cheese
- Cover the chicken with foil and bake at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or broil for 1 minute until the cheese melts beautifully.
6. Serve
- Enjoy with mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or steamed vegetables for an authentic Texas Roadhouse-style meal.
Notes
Nutrition (Per Serving - Approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 22g
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with honey mustard or BBQ sauce before serving.
- Pairs well with steak fries, buttered corn, or a side salad.
Talking Smothered Chicken with a Fellow Chef
A few weeks ago, I was catching up with an old friend from my Texas Roadhouse days. We both agreed—Smothered Chicken is one of the most underrated dishes on the menu.
He told me, “Customers always go for steak, but when they try the Smothered Chicken, they’re hooked.”
He also shared a secret adding a drizzle of honey mustard or BBQ sauce gives it an extra flavor kick.
How Much Does Smothered Chicken Cost at Texas Roadhouse?
Texas Roadhouse pricing varies by location, but Smothered Chicken usually costs between $11.99 to $14.99.
Check the latest prices at Texas Roadhouse’s official menu.
Best Sides to Pair with Smothered Chicken
At the restaurant, customers often asked me, “What’s the best side for this?” My top picks:
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and topped with bacon, cheese, and butter.
- Seasoned Rice: A buttery, flavorful option that pairs perfectly.
- Steak Fries: Thick-cut and crispy, ideal for dipping in ranch.
- Fresh Veggies: If you’re going for a lighter meal.
Smothered Chicken vs. Other Texas Roadhouse Chicken Dishes
Here’s how it stacks up against other popular chicken dishes:
| Chicken Dish | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Smothered Chicken | Grilled, topped with cheese, onions, mushrooms | $11.99 to $14.99 |
| Herb Crusted Chicken | Seasoned, grilled, with lemon-butter sauce | $12.99 to $15.99 |
| Country Fried Chicken | Hand-battered, fried, served with white gravy | $13.49 to $16.49 |
| Grilled BBQ Chicken | Marinated, grilled, with BBQ sauce | $10.99 to $13.99 |
If you love cheese, grilled onions, and mushrooms, Smothered Chicken is hands down the best choice.
How to Order Smothered Chicken Online
Can’t visit Texas Roadhouse in person? Order it online:
- Visit Texas Roadhouse’s website.
- Find the nearest location.
- Customize your order (extra cheese? Add bacon!).
- Pick up your meal or get it delivered.
Conclusion
As someone who’s worked in a Texas Roadhouse kitchen, I can 100% say this dish is worth trying.
It’s flavorful, not overly heavy, and pairs perfectly with just about any side. Plus, you can easily recreate it at home with my recipe.
Have you tried Smothered Chicken? Let me know what sides you think pair best!
