Cowboy Butter Chicken (Creamy Skillet Recipe)

This Cowboy Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy skillet dinner packed with garlic, herbs, and bold buttery flavor. If you’re craving a comforting yet impressive meal, this Cowboy Butter Chicken delivers restaurant-style results with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, bold cowboy butter flavors with a creamy finish
• One-pan skillet meal for easy cleanup
• Family-friendly with adjustable spice
• Perfect with rice, bread, or vegetables
• Halal-friendly ingredients and simple swaps

Cowboy Butter Chicken (Creamy Skillet Recipe)

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken made in one skillet.

Garlic butter sauce with lemon and herbs.

Easy 30-minute chicken dinner recipe.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
• Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill.
• Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until fully cooked. This step completes the Cowboy Butter Chicken perfectly.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or with roasted vegetables. Fresh bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

 

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and dill.
5. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until fully cooked. This step completes the Cowboy Butter Chicken perfectly.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

• Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking
• Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce
• Add honey for a subtle sweet balance
• Adjust red pepper flakes for heat control

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, gluten-free

Notes

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or with roasted vegetables. Fresh bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 38g

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Is Cowboy Butter Chicken spicy?
It has mild heat. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes if preferred.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and full-fat coconut milk.

What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread are ideal.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth

Similar Recipes

• Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs
• Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Conclusion

This Cowboy Butter Chicken is proof that bold flavor doesn’t need complicated steps. Creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying, it’s a skillet recipe you’ll want on repeat for busy nights and special dinners alike.