Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic herb sauce. This comforting recipe blends smoky spices with fresh herbs and a touch of heat, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water for a lighter option)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and help form a golden crust.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add the softened butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Step 6: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well with the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides such as crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Try substituting heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor or sweet paprika for a gentler taste.
• Add chopped chives or thyme for extra herbaceous notes.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cowboy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Is there a dairy-free version of cowboy butter chicken?

You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavorful and creamy skillet dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic, herb, and butter sauce. This recipe combines the smoky taste of paprika with a zesty lemon cream sauce for a comforting and elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water for a lighter option)
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This will enhance the flavor and help the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust when cooked.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill, stirring to combine.
4. Add the liquid ingredients: Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they’re coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the chicken with additional parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Dill is optional but recommended for additional freshness and depth of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, garlic butter chicken, creamy chicken skillet, seared chicken breasts, easy dinner recipe, stovetop chicken, chicken with cream sauce