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Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken dish with spices and herbs

Cowboy Butter Chicken

A simple skillet dish featuring seared chicken in a savory butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into even portions Use even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Fine salt for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground To add a sharp finish.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked or sweet for color and mild warmth.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For searing the chicken.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Creates the rich butter base.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced For aroma and savory depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds tang and assists in emulsifying the sauce.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional for light heat.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For fresh herb brightness.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Adds acidity to balance the richness.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth For the sauce base.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream For a silky, flavorful sauce.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into even pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in a single layer and brown for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. Add butter to the same skillet and scrape up any browned bits.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Whisk in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finishing Touches
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the pieces, and cook on low until the chicken is done.
  2. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is very dry before searing. Keep heat moderate to avoid burning garlic, and simmer gently to prevent sauce separation.