Cowboy Butter Chicken

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings a taste of rustic comfort to your dining table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. The tender chicken, combined with a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, and spices, creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, it’s great served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for any meal. If you love bold flavors and simple cooking, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken

Making Cowboy Butter Chicken is straightforward and requires minimal effort. This recipe can be completed in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days. You will start with fresh chicken breasts, season them, and then sear them until golden brown. The key to the sauce is the combination of melted butter, garlic, and spices, which creates a flavorful base. Once mixed with cream and chicken broth, it envelops the chicken in a rich, glossy layer of deliciousness. Let’s go through the ingredients and directions to make this tasty dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets or even-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill or chives, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional, for extra richness)

Directions:

1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Cut them into cutlets or into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and smoked or sweet paprika.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and is nearly cooked through. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial as these bits add flavor to your sauce.

4. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant and soft, but do not let it brown, as that can lead to bitterness.

5. Using a whisk, mix in the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and optional dill or chives. Then add the lemon juice to the skillet, stirring until all the ingredients are combined into a smooth, aromatic cowboy butter base.

6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. This will help the sauce to slightly thicken and become glossy.

7. If you like a richer texture, this is the time to add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts, enhancing the sauce’s flavor and creaminess.

8. Return the seared chicken along with any juices back into the skillet. Nestle the chicken pieces into the cowboy butter cream sauce and spoon some sauce over the top of each piece.

9. Cover the skillet and cook for another 8–10 minutes on low to medium-low heat. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part to ensure it is safe to eat.

10. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes based on your preference. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and enjoy the dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken

Cowboy Butter Chicken can be served in various ways, making it an adaptable dish for many meals. It is wonderfully paired with a side of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables alongside the dish. You can also serve it as part of a hearty family dinner or as a comforting dish for a cozy night in. The options are endless, so choose what you like best!

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken

Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken is easy. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be stored this way for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick during reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken

1. Choose Even-Sized Chicken Pieces: For the best cooking results, cut the chicken breasts into even-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly, resulting in perfectly tender chicken.

2. Adjust Spices to Taste: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and increase it to your liking.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and lemon juice add more flavor than dried versions. Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best results.

4. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs like basil or thyme alongside parsley and dill for an extra flavor boost.

5. Add Vegetables: You can enhance the meal by adding veggies such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for added nutrition and taste.

variation

There are many creative ways to enjoy Cowboy Butter Chicken. One variation is to add mushrooms to the sauce. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the butter. You can also substitute the chicken breasts with shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood twist on the recipe. For a unique taste, consider using different spices like Cajun seasoning or adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. These variations can help you keep the dish exciting every time you make it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the sauce separately, and when you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and combine it with the sauce for a quick meal.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, though the flavor and texture may vary.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Chicken. Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
   Cowboy Butter Chicken pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can choose your favorite side to complement the creamy sauce.

5. How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
   The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken and savor every bite filled with creamy goodness and delightful flavors!

Cowboy Butter Chicken

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• Author: mohamed175
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delightful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sauce of butter, garlic, and spices, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets or even-sized pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill or chives, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, cut them into even-sized pieces, and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, optional dill or chives, and lemon juice until combined.
6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired, stirring until melted.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, nestle in the sauce, cover, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, garnish with parsley, and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead; store the sauce separately and combine with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken, Butter, Creamy, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food