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Cowboy Butter Chicken

American · Dinner · Easy

Cowboy Butter Chicken

Total
33 min
Prep
15 min
Serves
4
Calories
345
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Golden chicken pieces glossed with lemony butter, garlic, mustard and herbs make a lively skillet dinner with a little chili heat.

The sauce for Cowboy Butter Chicken goes in after searing, which protects the garlic and herbs from the high heat needed to brown the meat. Lemon and mustard keep the butter bright rather than heavy.

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and pat them dry. Give them room in the skillet, then use the final low-heat toss to pull the browned pan juices into the sauce.

GarlickyHerbyRichZestyTrendingOne PanWeeknightGluten-freeNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-proteinLow-carbKeto

Method

  1. Pat the chicken breast pieces dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Sear the chicken in two batches for each, turning to brown several sides, until the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate.

  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add butter and garlic and cook for until fragrant; stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.

  4. Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet. Toss over low heat for until coated, then remove from the heat and stir in parsley and chives.

Forkue tips

  • Have the sauce ingredients measured before searing; the garlic cooks quickly once it hits the butter.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate in its sauce for 3 days. Warm gently in a covered skillet with a spoonful of water, stirring so the butter coats the chicken again.

Kitchen gear

Large skilletTop picks on AmazonInstant read thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

345Calories
39gProtein
3gCarbs
19gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Cowboy Butter Chicken: FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless thighs stay juicy and take well to the same sauce. Cut them evenly and check the largest pieces for doneness.

What goes with cowboy butter chicken?

Rice, mashed potatoes or crusty bread all catch the butter sauce. Add steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a lighter contrast.

How do I store and reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken?

Refrigerate in its sauce for 3 days. Warm gently in a covered skillet with a spoonful of water, stirring so the butter coats the chicken again.

How long does Cowboy Butter Chicken take?

About 33 min in total: 15 min prep and 18 min cooking.

What do I need to make Cowboy Butter Chicken?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, butter, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon juice and smoked paprika, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Cowboy Butter Chicken?

Have the sauce ingredients measured before searing; the garlic cooks quickly once it hits the butter.

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