Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavorful skillet dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and tangy butter sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky and zesty notes, ideal for a hearty family dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the chicken. Pat dry the 4 chicken breasts and pound slightly to even thickness if needed. Season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to enhance flavor throughout the meat.
- Cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Melt the butter and add garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Add the chicken to the sauce. Slice the rested chicken into thick strips and return them to the skillet. Spoon the cowboy butter sauce generously over the chicken pieces and allow them to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh herbal finish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking throughout.
- Use fresh garlic for the best sauce flavor.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
