Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve come to appreciate recipes that bring big flavor without a big fuss. This Cowboy Butter Chicken is one of those dishes, bright, buttery, and full of garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s quick to make in a skillet and feels indulgent but approachable, the kind of meal that makes even an ordinary night feel special.
The Flavorful Charm of Cowboy Butter
The secret to Cowboy Butter Chicken lies in the sauce: melted butter infused with Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and a pinch of chili flakes. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy. You’ll sear juicy chicken in the skillet, then toss it in this golden, flavor-packed sauce. Serve it over rice, potatoes, or veggies, every bite is rich, savory, and just a little fiery.
If you enjoy bold, skillet-style dinners like One Pan Balsamic Chicken or Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, this one will be right up your alley.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the cowboy butter sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
For garnish:
- Extra parsley and lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sear the chicken.
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the cowboy butter sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, parsley, chili flakes, paprika, salt, pepper, and honey. - Combine and glaze.
Return chicken to the skillet. Pour the cowboy butter sauce over it and simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it thickens slightly. - Serve.
Plate chicken with extra sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick, one-pan meal: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Rich and zesty: Butter, lemon, and spice make a perfect trio.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
If you love recipes that balance indulgence and simplicity, try my Air Fryer Salmon Bites or Honey BBQ Chicken Rice next.
Tips from Sam
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
- Double the butter sauce, it’s amazing drizzled over veggies or rice.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 27g
- Sugar: 1g
Cowboy Butter Chicken: Bold, Zesty, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken, juicy seared chicken coated in zesty garlic butter sauce with lemon, Dijon, and herbs.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp honey (optional)
Lemon wedges and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in skillet; sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, zest, parsley, chili flakes, paprika, salt, pepper, and honey.
3. Return chicken to skillet; pour sauce over and simmer 2–3 minutes while spooning sauce over chicken.
4. Serve with extra sauce, parsley, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use thighs for a juicier texture.
Add a splash of white wine for depth.
Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American