Ben Kenwood November 22, 2025

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Cowboy Butter Chicken

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 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; ½ cup heavy cream

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Nothing brings a sense of warmth and comfort into a home quite like the rich, savory aroma of Cowboy Butter Chicken simmering on the stovetop. This dish, with its creamy sauce and succulent chicken, is perfect for gathering friends and family around the dinner table, making it an ideal choice for your next cozy evening. The combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, while the ease of preparation ensures you can spend more time enjoying good company and less in the kitchen.

Reasons to Love Cowboy Butter Chicken

This Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe is not just delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and straightforward to prepare. The creamy butter sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, provides a luscious coating for the juicy chicken, creating an irresistible dish that caters to all palates. Here are a few reasons why this recipe should be on your dinner table:

Rich, creamy flavor without complexity
Simple ingredients for an effortlessly delicious meal
Quick cooking time, perfect for weeknight dinners
Customizable to suit your family’s tastes
Pairs well with a variety of side dishes

Gather These Ingredients

To create your Cowboy Butter Chicken, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients that come together to form an unforgettable meal. The combination of chicken breasts and a luscious buttery sauce offers both flavor and satisfaction. You can easily swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch when needed. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Bringing It Together

Making Cowboy Butter Chicken is simpler than you might think, yet it yields spectacular results. Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress everyone at the table:

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This seasoning will enhance the flavor and help the chicken develop a delightful golden crust when cooked.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are 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 it becomes aromatic and fragrant.
Next, incorporate the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill, mixing them in to combine all the flavors beautifully.
Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxuriously smooth sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together seamlessly.
Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they’re generously 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 this delightful dish hot with your choice of accompanying sides, such as crusty bread, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 35 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 550 (estimated)

Plan Ahead

For those who love to prepare meals in advance, Cowboy Butter Chicken offers some excellent make-ahead options. You can season and sear the chicken breasts a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish the dish. The buttery sauce can also be made ahead of time; simply reheat on the stovetop before combining with the cooked chicken.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing your Cowboy Butter Chicken is a breeze. If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your frozen leftovers, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. The freshness cue? You’ll know it’s ready when the creamy sauce is bubbling lightly and the aroma fills the kitchen once again.

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken? Here are some delightful ideas to complement this rich dish:

Crusty artisan bread for dipping in the creamy sauce
Fluffy rice, perfect for soaking up every savory drop
Roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious side
Garlic mashed potatoes to enhance the comfort factor
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness
Pasta for a delightful twist

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to make Cowboy Butter Chicken your own with these subtle variations:

Add a handful of spinach or kale to the sauce for an extra nutrient boost.
Swap half the heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version.
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor and color.
Use lemon zest in addition to juice for a brighter citrus profile.
Stir in capers or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
Try mixing in crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or basil instead of parsley or dill.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To achieve the perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken, keep these expert tips in mind:

Ensure your skillet is thoroughly heated before adding the chicken for a good sear.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness precisely.
Whisk the sauce frequently while simmering to avoid scorching.
Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for an aromatic touch.
Adjust the heat of the sauce by varying the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will also work beautifully! Just cook them a bit longer until they reach the desired temperature.
How spicy does this dish get?
The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or vegan butter.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can, but it’s best to thaw it completely and pat it dry for the best results.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Butter Chicken is one of those crowd-pleasing meals that promises full bellies and satisfied smiles. The combination of crispy seared chicken and a velvety, buttery sauce is sure to become a staple in your home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking, and enjoy a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for more!

Cowboy Butter Chicken

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A rich and creamy butter chicken dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table with its savory flavor and succulent chicken.

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add butter to the skillet, melt, and stir in minced garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill, mixing well.
Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream; stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet, coating with sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with sides of choice.