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A delicious plate of Cowboy Butter Chicken is shown as the featured image for the recipe.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Perfect Dinner

This Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Chicken breasts are seared and then coated in a vibrant, herbaceous butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and spices. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • small bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Fork or Spatula (optional)
  • Electric Mixer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary (if using), red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Cowboy Butter to the skillet. Let it melt slowly, stirring occasionally.
  7. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs have softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Cowboy Butter sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
  9. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a minute or two to absorb the flavors.
  10. Serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. Don't overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F (74°C). Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. The Cowboy Butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce.