why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful butter sauce. It’s an easy recipe that impresses guests and satisfies family members alike. The creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice makes this meal unforgettable. Plus, it can be served with various sides, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
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
You can serve Cowboy Butter Chicken with a variety of sides. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. Rice or mashed potatoes also make a great base to soak up the creamy goodness. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can round out the meal, adding balance and color to your plate.
how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken
To store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken
- Use freshly minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature for safety.
variation
For a lighter version of Cowboy Butter Chicken, you can use less butter and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can also try adding different herbs, like thyme or oregano, to diversify the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce beforehand and store them separately. Just heat them together before serving.What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut cream, or even a plant-based milk thickened with a bit of flour for a lighter version.
Cowboy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces 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 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 optional but recommended
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice about 2 tablespoons, from 1 lemon
- ½ cup chicken broth or water for a lighter option
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill, stirring to combine.
- Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they're coated with sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot with preferred sides like crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.