Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken is a hearty, flavor-packed dish inspired by the bold and zesty “cowboy butter” dip. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared until golden, then coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. The result is a meal that’s smoky, tangy, garlicky, and irresistibly buttery. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Serve it with roasted potatoes, rice, or grilled vegetables, and you’ve got a complete dinner that feels indulgent yet effortless. If you love bold flavors and one-pan meals, this Cowboy Butter Chicken will become a new favorite.
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Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken – Bold, Buttery, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy chicken breasts seared and smothered in a zesty cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon, and herbs for a bold and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then add parsley, chives, dill, and red pepper flakes.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon cowboy butter sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – The main protein, juicy and tender when seared.
Butter – The base of the cowboy sauce, rich and savory.
Garlic – Freshly minced, adding bold, aromatic flavor.
Dijon mustard – Brings tanginess and depth to the sauce.
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Red pepper flakes – Provide a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color to the sauce.
Thyme and chives – Herbs that complement the garlicky butter perfectly.
Smoked paprika – Adds smokiness and warmth.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust.
Directions
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, thyme, and chives. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and cooking requires 20 minutes. Total time: about 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled version – Grill chicken and drizzle with cowboy butter sauce for smoky flavor.
Spicy kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Creamy cowboy butter chicken – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Vegetable boost – Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet.
Seafood swap – Use the cowboy butter sauce on shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
Low-carb option – Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Baked version – Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, then pour cowboy butter over the top.
Cheesy twist – Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce before serving.
FAQs
What is cowboy butter?
It’s a bold compound butter made with garlic, Dijon, lemon, herbs, and spices, often served as a dipping sauce for steak.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work perfectly with this sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, then coat with the sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double the sauce ingredients and cook chicken in batches.
Can I freeze cowboy butter?
Yes, freeze the butter in logs and slice as needed.
Do I need fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken is a bold, buttery, and satisfying recipe that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal. With smoky spices, zesty herbs, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and always delicious, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.