Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken

Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken is my answer to a crave-worthy dinner that’s full of bold, buttery flavor and comes together fast. This recipe takes juicy chicken and bathes it in a rich cowboy butter sauce—a zesty, garlicky blend of butter, herbs, lemon, and spices. It’s packed with flavor and ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when I still want something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it brings together the best parts of a steakhouse-style cowboy butter sauce with tender, golden chicken in one skillet. It’s fast, full of big flavor, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. The sauce is so good I could eat it with a spoon—or drizzle it over potatoes, rice, or veggies. It’s bold, buttery, and totally addictive.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

• Olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Dijon mustard

• Lemon juice and zest

• Red pepper flakes

• Smoked paprika

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Fresh chives or thyme (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.

I heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil or butter and sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked—about 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and melt the butter.

I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Then I add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and herbs. I stir everything until well combined and bubbling.

I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the top, letting it simmer for another minute or two.

I serve it hot with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3–4.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce to stretch it a bit and make it extra silky.

For extra flavor, I marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic before cooking.

I occasionally add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the skillet for some veggies.

If I want it spicier, I bump up the red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce.

I also use the same sauce for shrimp or steak—it’s super versatile.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of butter or broth to keep it moist.

The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately—it reheats beautifully.

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a seasoned melted butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon, herbs, and spices. It’s usually served with steak, but I love it on chicken too.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. I sear it first for color, then finish it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes depending on thickness.

What should I serve with this?

I serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a side of crusty bread to soak up all that sauce.

Can I make this low-carb?

Absolutely. Just pair it with cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, or grilled vegetables.

Is this sauce very spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but I can adjust the heat by using more or less depending on my preference.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavor-packed meal that brings buttery richness, zesty brightness, and garlicky goodness all in one skillet. It’s simple, fast, and guaranteed to satisfy when I’m looking for something bold and delicious. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding the family, this dish never fails to impress.

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