Cowboy Butter Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a great chicken dish, especially one that makes the whole house smell like a cozy kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. Let me introduce you to my beloved Cowboy Butter Chicken—this one always manages to steal the show at dinner parties and weeknight dinners alike. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just a little spicy, which is a delightful surprise that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is not only scrumptious but also super easy to whip together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So why should you drop everything and cook Cowboy Butter Chicken tonight? Let me paint you a picture. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious, buttery garlic sauce that has a hint of zest from fresh lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. I mean, what’s not to love?

This dish comes together so wonderfully, and the flavor combinations are downright heavenly. The rich creaminess of the sauce pairs impeccably with the lean protein of the chicken, leaving you feeling satisfied but not stuffed. Plus, you can serve it with anything from crusty bread to fluffy rice or vibrant roasted veggies, and it still shines through. And did I mention it takes less than 30 minutes to make? Fancy that!

Gather these ingredients

To get started on this culinary adventure, you’ll need to gather a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They lay the foundation of this dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap in thighs for a more flavorful option.

• 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper: These basic seasonings are the unsung heroes, enhancing all the flavors.

• 1 teaspoon paprika: Here, you can choose between smoked for that deep, earthy touch or sweet for a milder finish.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is not just for cooking; it helps achieve that golden sear. Don’t skimp here!

• ½ cup unsalted butter: The star of the show! Softened butter will mix seamlessly into an irresistibly creamy sauce.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, and it fills your kitchen with its delicious fragrance.

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle tang that really elevates the dish.

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust this to your personal heat preference—more for heat lovers, less for the faint of heart!

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Add color and flavor, plus a sprinkle on top for a pretty garnish.

• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional): This herb is a delightful surprise that complements the creaminess beautifully.

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): The brightness of lemon juice cuts through the richness, bringing everything together.

• ½ cup chicken broth: Use this for depth in your sauce; water works in a pinch but won’t offer quite the same flavor.

• ½ cup heavy cream: This transforms your sauce into a velvety delight.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to cook? Let’s dive into the steps to create your Cowboy Butter Chicken masterpiece!

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This step is crucial for flavor and ensures the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust.

2. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. When they’re ready, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the softened butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you can smell that irresistible aroma. Next, add the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill. Mix everything well.

4. Create the creamy goodness: Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes; this is where the magic happens!

5. Cook the chicken in the sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet—make sure they’re coated with that delicious sauce. Cover and let the chicken cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Garnish and serve: Once done, take the skillet off the heat and garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of parsley.

Best way to enjoy it

Now for the pièce de résistance—serving time! This Cowboy Butter Chicken is versatile, and you can pair it with:

• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
• Fluffy rice or quinoa: Both will soak up those incredible flavors splendidly.
• Roasted vegetables: Add a burst of color and nutrition to your plate.

Set your table, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and get ready for a feast!

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers (not likely, but hey, it happens!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place the chicken and any remaining sauce in an airtight container, and it should keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container—don’t forget to label it with the date!

When reheating, do so gently—microwave in short increments or warm it on the stove over low heat to keep that creamy texture.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some nuggets of wisdom to ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Appearance Matters: Drying the chicken really helps develop that glorious golden crust—it’s worth the extra few seconds!

• Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy! Give your sauce a little taste before adding the chicken back in. Adjust seasoning as needed—you want it just right!

• Let It Rest: Once finished cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute those juices throughout the meat.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to put your spin on this classic:

• Add some veggies: Throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes when making the sauce for an extra punch of flavor and nutrition.

• Try different herbs: Swap the dill for fresh basil or oregano to change the flavor profile entirely.

• Make it spicy: If you want more heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha in the sauce.

Ingredients

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

Directions to follow

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium, add butter to the skillet until melted, then stir in minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Mix in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill.
5. Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with extra parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Your questions answered

• What’s the cooking time? Cooking the chicken takes about 20 minutes in total—perfect for a quick dinner.

• Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely! Thighs will add a richer flavor if you prefer.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as thick.

• Is it easy to make ahead? Yes! You can prepare the chicken a day ahead and warm it up with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

• What can I serve this with? Think rice, crusty bread, or roasted veggies for a delightful meal!

In closing, I hope you’re inspired to whip up this Cowboy Butter Chicken and take your taste buds on a little joy ride. Remember, cooking is about experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or inject a bit of your flair, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Get ready to relish the deliciousness and come back here to tell me about your culinary successes—I’d love to hear how it goes!

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Cowboy Butter Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 35 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a deliciously creamy, garlicky chicken dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cloves garlic (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))
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth (or water for a lighter option)
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the chicken

   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
   This step ensures flavor and a golden crust.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
   Mark as complete

3. Make the sauce

   Lower the heat to medium, add the softened butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

4. Create the creamy goodness

   Mix in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill. Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir continuously to create a smooth sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Cook the chicken in the sauce

   Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish and serve

   Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 27g135%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 159mg53%

Sodium 930mg39%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 3g1%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 1500 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 0 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 1 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 2 mg

Phosphorus 220 mg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in to adjust seasoning if necessary.

Keywords: chicken, creamy, garlic, dinner, easy recipe