Quick Cowboy Butter Chicken: Rich, Smoky & So Easy (Print Version)

Whip up delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken! This quick, rich, and smoky dish brings a taste of the ranch to your table with minimal fuss. Perfect for weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American (Fusion)
Dietary: Gluten-Free (use GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large, sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets)
02 - 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

03 - 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp dried thyme
06 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
07 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
08 - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1 tbsp)
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

→ Pantry Staples

11 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready for its star moment. I usually take two good-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice each one horizontally to make two thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, ensuring every bite of your Cowboy Butter Chicken is tender. Pat them super dry with paper towels—this is where I always forget, and then my chicken steams instead of searing! Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don't be shy; flavor, hon!
02 - Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or a pat of butter. Once shimmering, carefully place your chicken cutlets in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown and have a nice crust. This step is crucial for flavor development, giving our Cowboy Butter Chicken that lovely texture. I once tried to rush this, and the chicken didn't get that gorgeous color; oops!
03 - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, melt your unsalted butter in the same pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the chicken—that's flavor gold! Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point! It's honestly intoxicating, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation for this Cowboy Butter Chicken.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any remaining flavorful bits. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and for all those amazing Cowboy Butter flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic sauce that will coat our chicken perfectly. I didn't expect that a few simple steps could create such a depth of flavor!
05 - Nestle the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning that incredible Cowboy Butter sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm through and allow the chicken to absorb even more of those glorious flavors. This step ensures your Cowboy Butter Chicken is juicy and thoroughly coated in deliciousness. Don't let it cook too long here, we're just warming it up, not drying it out!
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken—this brightens everything up and cuts through the richness, trust me! Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The aroma of the finished Cowboy Butter Chicken is just incredible, a mix of smoky, garlicky, and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. It looks and smells like something straight out of a fancy restaurant, but you made it right here in your kitchen!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken breasts super dry before searing; it helps achieve that beautiful golden crust instead of steaming.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop for best results.
03 - If you're out of fresh herbs, use about a third of the amount in dried form, but fresh really does make a difference.
04 - Serve this Cowboy Butter Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that amazing sauce – it's a match made in heaven!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
02 - measuring spoons and cups
03 - cutting board
04 - chef's knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 50g

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