ADDICTIVE COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN

Okay, friend, let’s talk chicken. Are you tired of the same old boring weeknight dinners? Do you crave flavor that explodes in your mouth and leaves you wanting more? Then get ready, because we’re diving headfirst into the wild and wonderful world of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken – SO GOOD! This recipe is unbelievably simple, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste this incredible.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Alright, partner, let’s wrangle up everything we need to make this amazing Cowboy Butter Chicken. Don’t worry, it’s a simple list!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: For that subtle savory depth.
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: To add a hint of smoky goodness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: The creamy, dreamy base of our sauce.
• 4 cloves Garlic: Minced finely – get ready for some serious garlic flavor!
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a pop of freshness and color.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Chives: Chopped, for a mild oniony bite.
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme: Chopped, for an earthy and aromatic note.
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice: To brighten up all those rich flavors.
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: For a kick of heat (adjust to your liking!).
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: To echo the chicken’s smokiness.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper: For an extra layer of warmth (optional, but highly recommended!).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, because seasoning is KEY.

Step-by-Step to Cowboy Chicken Bliss

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s create some cowboy butter magic!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated – this is where the flavor party starts!
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Making the Cowboy Butter:

1. In the same skillet (don’t worry about cleaning it, those chicken bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a flavor bummer.
3. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Let those herbs bloom in the warm butter for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine all the deliciousness.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to customize the flavor to your liking! Give it a taste and adjust accordingly.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the cowboy butter. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the glorious sauce.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic truly happens!
3. Serve immediately and prepare for your taste buds to do a happy dance.

Secret to Outlaw-Level Flavor

So, what exactly makes this Cowboy Butter Chicken so darn addictive? It’s all about the balance of flavors! The richness of the butter, the sharpness of the garlic, the freshness of the herbs, the tang of the lemon, and that touch of heat from the red pepper flakes and cayenne – it’s a symphony in your mouth. Trust me, this isn’t your average chicken dish!

Tips for Taming the Wild Flavors

Even though this recipe is super simple, here are a few tips to ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken turns out absolutely perfect:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F (74°C).
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference in flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but try to use fresh if possible. If using dried, reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon per herb.
• Adjust the heat to your liking: Not a fan of spicy food? Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Love the heat? Add more!
• Don’t burn the garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and unpleasant. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Serve it your way: This Cowboy Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on its own with a side of roasted vegetables.

Variations for the Adventurous Cook

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms when you add the garlic to the skillet.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra rich and decadent sauce.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
• Make it a pasta dish: Cook up some pasta and toss it with the Cowboy Butter Chicken for a complete meal. Speaking of pasta, if you love the idea of combining these flavors with pasta, you absolutely NEED to try the COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN PASTA! It’s a winner!

What to Serve with Your Cowboy Masterpiece

This Cowboy Butter Chicken is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few tasty sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• Rice (white, brown, or wild)
• Mashed potatoes (garlic mashed potatoes are especially good!)
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots)
• A simple green salad
• Crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore!

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the hunt for new and exciting recipes. Be sure to check out these other delicious chicken creations:

• For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, the CHEESY GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS are a must-try!
• Looking for a set-it-and-forget-it meal? The CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
• Pasta lovers, rejoice! The GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
• And for a simple yet elegant chicken dinner, you can’t go wrong with GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN!

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and let’s be honest, they’re even better the next day!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.

Why You’ll Be Making This Again & Again

So, there you have it! Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken – a recipe that’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, I know you’ll be hooked. Get ready to saddle up and enjoy the ride! You got this!

Addictive Cowboy Butter Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe is unbelievably simple, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich, herby, and slightly spicy butter sauce that is both comforting and exciting. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula or tongs
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for serving optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure every piece is nicely coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Let the herbs bloom in the warm butter for about 30 seconds.
• Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the cowboy butter. Toss to coat evenly.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Adjust the heat to your preference by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne. To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.