Mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese: A Texas-Inspired Feast | JustWorthi

Mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese: A Texas-Inspired Feast

Craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal? This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese brings the same indulgent flavors from the restaurant straight to your kitchen! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce and topped with melted jack cheese, creating a dish that’s packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  • Juicy, tender chicken that’s smothered in a creamy sauce
  • Topped with melty jack cheese for the perfect cheesy finish
  • A simple, restaurant-style dish you can make at home
  • Flavor-packed and comforting, without needing a ton of ingredients
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Full list of ingredients with measurements below!

Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will add layers of flavor to the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy and flavorful, with a slight tang from the broth.

Smother the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the grated jack cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with chopped green onions (if desired) and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • For extra flavor, you can add some chopped fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) to the sauce before serving.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or top the chicken with some sliced jalapeños before serving.
  • To make the sauce extra creamy, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. However, heavy cream will give it a richer texture.
  • For an even more indulgent dish, try adding some crumbled bacon on top along with the cheese!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Swap the jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
  • You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for added depth of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese pairs wonderfully with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a comforting side
  • A side of crispy roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli
  • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast
  • Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat and cover it. Heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the skillet method will help preserve the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Add the cheese and let it melt before serving.

Can I use other cheeses?
Definitely! You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different cheesy flavor. Choose your favorite cheese for a personalized touch.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. They’re juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich. Adding a little butter or a cornstarch slurry can help thicken it.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese is the perfect way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted jack cheese come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor and comforting. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!

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Mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese: A Texas-Inspired Feast

Mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese: A Texas-Inspired Feast

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Chicken
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken with Jack Cheese brings a hearty and savory meal right to your table. The juicy chicken breast is smothered with creamy cheese, flavorful mushrooms, and a savory sauce, making this dish a true comfort food favorite. The richness of melted Jack cheese and the savory toppings elevate the flavors, making it a meal you’ll crave again and again. Perfect for dinner, and easy to make at home!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Smother the Chicken:
    Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the mushroom sauce over the chicken, then top each breast with shredded Jack cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce as it simmers for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Serve:
    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a garnish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
  6. Enjoy:
    Enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken dish with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a salad for a complete meal!

Notes

  • If you like a bit of heat, you can add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • You can substitute the Jack cheese with Cheddar or Mozzarella for a different twist.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
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