Preparation
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chili flakes, parsley, and thyme. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Finish the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the top. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
Variations
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream.
Lemon Garlic Version: Add extra lemon zest and juice.
Spicy Cowboy Chicken: Increase chili flakes or add cayenne.
Steakhouse Style: Add Worcestershire sauce to the butter.
Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.
Cooking Notes
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well.
Do not burn the garlic—lower heat before adding butter.
Sauce thickens slightly as it cools.
Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the rich sauce.
Tips
Use a cast-iron skillet for best sear.
Let chicken rest before slicing.
Adjust spice level to taste.
Store leftovers with sauce to keep chicken moist.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 540mg
FAQs
What is cowboy butter?
A bold butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and spice.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but cooking time will increase.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy—adjust chili flakes to taste.
Conclusion
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is bold, buttery, and packed with unforgettable flavor. Juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a one-skillet method make this dish perfect for busy nights or indulgent dinners at home. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal cleanup—and once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again.
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