Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a touch of comfort food to your table. The buttery sauce combined with garlic, herbs, and the perfect blend of seasonings makes this recipe a delightful choice for any weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor, and you can prepare it in just a little over 30 minutes. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it versatile for different occasions.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken
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
Directions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken
Cowboy Butter Chicken is best enjoyed hot. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with bread to soak up all the delicious butter sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad to the plate.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the Cowboy Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. If you want to freeze it, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken
- For added flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs in the butter sauce, like thyme or oregano, for a unique twist.
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta by serving the chicken over cooked pasta and drizzling the butter sauce on top. Another great variation is to use different proteins, like shrimp or pork, to achieve a similar tasty result.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work just fine! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free version.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply heat them together until warmed through.
Cowboy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- 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 until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the 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.
- Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 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).
- Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken with extra parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.