What is cowboy butter chicken?

Cowboy butter chicken is a creamy, savory chicken dish inspired by the popular 'cowboy butter' sauce. It features chicken cooked in a rich, herby, garlic-infused butter sauce, often made in a single skillet for ease. It's known for its bold flavors and comforting creaminess.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into 1-inch pieces just like the thighs. Be careful not to overcook chicken breast, as it can dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed to ensure it remains juicy and tender.

What are the best side dishes to serve with cowboy butter chicken easy creamy skillet?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or pasta (like fettuccine or penne) are excellent for soaking up the creamy sauce. For low-carb options, consider cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus. A simple side salad or crusty bread for dipping is also fantastic.

How do I store and reheat leftover cowboy butter chicken?

Store any leftover cowboy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, but stovetop reheating often preserves the texture better.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Easy Creamy Skillet: My Top 7 Reasons

Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and Dijon mustard, cooking for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in heavy cream slowly until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Return seared chicken and any juices to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce reaches desired consistency (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Step 7: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and chives. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious cowboy butter chicken easy creamy skillet!

Notes

For extra richness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and remove the skin before cubing. Ensure your skillet is hot enough for a good sear on the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner Dishes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken recipe, one pan chicken, weeknight dinner, butter chicken recipe, quick chicken, skillet dinner

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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