Introduction

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch drizzle. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying combination of textures and savory flavors.

The image shows a close-up of two pieces of cooked chicken breast on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. Each chicken piece is topped with a smooth, creamy sauce that has a light beige color, covering most of the chicken's surface. On top of the sauce, there are small pieces of chopped walnuts that add a rough texture and a golden-brown color. The dish is sprinkled with fresh green herbs, giving a bright contrast to the warm colors of the chicken and sauce. The lighting highlights the juicy texture of the chicken and the glossy sauce. 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 extra flavor, marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.

Substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.

Use turkey bacon for a lighter option while keeping the smoky taste.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Boneless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and easier slicing, but you can use bone-in breasts. Just increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese and ranch dressing?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing made from plant-based ingredients to accommodate dairy-free diets without compromising flavor.