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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken

Restaurant-quality smothered chicken with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 445

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 cup sliced white or cremini mushrooms
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • brown gravy optional

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Meat mallet or heavy pan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or heavy pan, pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized and mushrooms are tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until butter melts and shimmers. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Turn oven to Broil and position rack about 6 inches from heating element. Top each chicken breast with a generous portion of the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture.
  5. Cover the mushrooms and onions with a heavy layer of Monterey Jack cheese, using about 1/2 cup per breast.
  6. Place skillet under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to develop light golden-brown spots.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest 2-3 minutes. If using brown gravy, warm according to package directions and pour over the top before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep gravy separate if possible. Reheating: Best results in 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Swap Monterey Jack for Provolone or Swiss cheese. Make-Ahead: Cook mushroom and onion mixture up to 2 days ahead. Season and pound chicken night before. Pro Tip: Butterfly large chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook faster and provide more surface area for toppings.