This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure.
I’ve recreated some popular Restaurant dishes so you can make them at home! Try our Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse with lots of 5-star reviews, and this Olive Garden 5-Cheese Ziti.
TGI Fridays Sizzling Chicken and Cheese:
Sizzling chicken and cheese is my favorite entree from TGI Fridays! Years ago, I came up with this recipe. I absolutely loved the tangy, seared bell peppers, creamy mashed potatoes all served in an iron pan when eating at TGI Fridays.
TGI Fridays was over the state border where I used to live so, trips that far weren’t realistic.
One day I got the idea to add Italian dressing for that secret sauce they smothered the veggies with and was it a close dupe!
This dish is best using leftover mashed potatoes (like after a Thanksgiving meal) but can be prepared using russet potatoes. Believe me, this dish is worth taking the extra time because it’s that GOOD!
Once you have the potatoes mashed, the rest comes together quickly.
These easy marinated chicken breasts served over melted cheese with onions, red & green bell peppers and mashed potatoes come together quicker than you may think! Find out how to make TGI Friday’s copycat recipe down below with my step-by-step photos and detailed instructions!
Sizzling Chicken and Shrimp Variation:
Another version I enjoyed was the Sizzling chicken and shrimp version so, if you wish to add shrimp simply sear the raw shrimp in the cast-iron skillet first with your favorite spices.
I’d season my shrimp with cajun seasoning or Old bay seasoning and maybe some garlic powder. Sear them in a little butter for good flavor.
I thought I’d mention that I make these freezer mashed potatoes that freeze well and are so soft when you can scoop them! It’s one of my favorite make-ahead meals that microwave well or in this case reheat well in the oven.
TGI Fridays Zesty Sizzling Sauce:
I love how flavorful and zesty the Italian dressing enhances this dish! Talk about a huge time saver because you don’t need to pull out a bunch of pantry spices to make this! Not only is that a big shortcut but the marinade is on point. I find that the wish-bone brand (and no this is not sponsored) to be one of the zestiest and tangiest Italian dressings out there so purchase that brand to get great tasting results.
A little goes a long way. I only used 1/4 of bell peppers for this whole recipe and if your getting a restaurant serving you will only find a few garnished in your plate so there’s really no need to overload one serving with tons of ingredients. Proportion is key and a little of everything is what makes it delicious.
Can you make Sizzling Chicken and Cheese ahead of time?
Sizzling chicken and cheese can be made ahead of time. My mother-in-law made this for a big Sunday lunch gathering with great results! She simply had the mashed potatoes in a crockpot and the chicken prepared ahead of time. She combined the two into a big baking dish and heated it through before serving. This can even be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated. Layer your prepped ingredients straight into a baking dish (with dressing and all) and keep them stored in the fridge. When ready to serve just bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until sizzling hot.
What is in TGI Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese?
- Garlic Marinade- I used Wishbone Italian dressing. GREAT alternative!
- Chicken breasts- Thinly sliced about 3 regular-sized breasts in half. It makes it just like the restaurant portion.
- Cheese- Monterey jack cheese or mozzarella both work great!
- Red & green bell peppers- You only need 1/4 of each colored pepper.
- Onion-Half of the onion is enough.
- Mashed potatoes-Make my freezer-friendly version that will save you time for future meals!
- Shrimp (can be added for the chicken and shrimp version)
How to make TGI Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese?
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Sear the bell peppers and onion in 1 tsp of oil for 3 minutes or until charred-looking. Add 2 TBSP of Italian dressing and stir to coat. Remove and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Add 2 tbsp of oil into the same skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing into the same skillet (still over high heat) and deglaze the pan for 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour dressing aside.
- Lightly grease the pan with 1 1/2 tsp of oil. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto the bottom and spread 4 cups of mashed potatoes over the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Layer the chicken breasts a top and pour over the dressing. Garnish with bell peppers and onion.
- Bake at 400° F for 20-30 minutes or until sizzling hot.
Join My Weekly Newsletter
New recipes, homesteading, family life, what we eat in a week, and hospitality tips.
Pin this now to find it later
Sizzling Chicken and Cheese (TGI Friday's Copycat)
Equipment
- 1 10-inch cast-iron skillet, (seasoned well)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts , (each chicken breast sliced in half)
- 5 oz bell peppers , sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 cup Italian dressing , plus 2 TBSP for the peppers and onion
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese , grated
- 4 cups leftover Mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Sear the bell peppers and onion in 1 tsp of oil for 3 minutes or until charred-looking.
- Add 2 TBSP of Italian dressing and stir to coat. Remove and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Add 2 tbsp of oil into the same skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing into the same skillet (still over high heat) and deglaze the pan for 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour dressing aside.
- Lightly grease the pan with 1 1/2 tsp of oil. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto the bottom and spread 4 cups of mashed potatoes over the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Layer the chicken breasts a top and pour over the dressing. Garnish with bell peppers and onion.
- Bake at 400° F for 20-30 minutes or until sizzling hot.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
Tried this recipe?
Mention @alyonascooking or hashtag #alyonascooking.
