Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. With fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, it’s a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the buttery garlic sauce generously over it. Allow the chicken to simmer for a couple of minutes to soak in the flavor.
- Step 6: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Pair it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of butter and olive oil to cook the chicken.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma, but dried herbs work if fresh aren’t available—use half the amount.
Storage
Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the butter sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and pairs nicely with a variety of sides, making it great for preparing ahead for busy days.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavorful, buttery skillet dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich garlic-herb butter sauce with fresh parsley, thyme, and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner served with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cooking the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt half of the butter. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Making the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Adding Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon juice into the skillet, mixing well to combine the flavors into the buttery sauce.
- Combining Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic herb butter sauce generously over the chicken, letting it simmer together for an additional 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Serving: Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are patted dry to get a nice sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavors.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to your preferred level of zesty brightness.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version, though the flavor profile will change.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts; ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Chicken, Butter Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Easy Dinner, Herb Butter Sauce
