Introduction

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sautéed veggies, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a creamy ranch topping. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without much fuss.

Two pieces of browned chicken breast sit side by side in a shallow pool of creamy, light beige sauce on a white marbled surface. Each chicken piece is topped with a thick layer of melted pale yellow cheese, which is covered by a sprinkle of golden brown, toasted chopped nuts and small green parsley flakes. The chicken's surface is slightly crispy with specks of black pepper and soft sauce dripping down the sides, adding a shiny texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced onion
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Stir in the crumbled bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: In a large baking dish, place the seared chicken breasts in a single layer.
Step 8: Spoon the sautéed vegetable and bacon mixture over each chicken breast.
Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 10: Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheese and toppings.
Step 11: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Step 12: Remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not, return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 13: Once cooked through and cheese is bubbly, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 14: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.
Add sliced jalapeños to the sauté for a spicy kick.
Use turkey bacon for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of golden-brown chicken breasts, each topped with a thick layer of creamy white sauce mixed with small bits of browned garlic and finely chopped green herbs scattered on top. The chicken pieces have a crispy, slightly charred texture on the edges and are arranged closely together on a white plate. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted. They may require slightly longer cooking time and will offer a juicier texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked chicken with toppings in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a flavorful oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, green bell peppers, onions, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner and easy enough to prepare at home.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings and Sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced onion
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Pound Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch to ensure they cook evenly.
Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Assemble Dish: In a large baking dish, arrange the seared chicken breasts in a single layer.
Add Toppings: Spoon the sautéed vegetable and bacon mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables and chicken.
Drizzle Ranch: Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheese and toppings to add creaminess.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Check Temperature: Remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
Rest Chicken: Once cooked through and cheese is bubbly, remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Feel free to substitute ranch dressing with your favorite creamy dressing or a homemade version.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Texas Roadhouse smothered chicken, smothered chicken recipe, baked chicken with mushrooms and bacon, cheddar cheese chicken, ranch chicken recipe, comfort food chicken