Crispy-edged chicken, swimming in a luxuriously creamy, herb-flecked sauce with a delightful kick – that’s what you get with this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken. It’s the kind of dish where savory, rich, and subtly spicy flavors collide in perfect harmony. The secret? A perfectly balanced cowboy butter sauce, infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and just the right amount of red pepper flakes.
This recipe truly works because of the interplay between the richness of the butter and cream, and the brighter, more herbaceous notes. The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, complementing the slight heat. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken
- Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy cowboy butter chicken sauce is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easily customizable to your spice preference.
- A guaranteed family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile – serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – adjust to your spice preference!
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
How to make Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Creamy cowboy butter chicken makes every moment feel energetic. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken with the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This will ensure even browning. Work in batches if necessary.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- For an even richer flavor, use browned butter to make the sauce. The creme brulee french toast recipe uses a similar technique that really enhances the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken is delicious served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. A side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh salad would also complement the dish perfectly. For dessert, try something sweet like these cookie butter pie recipe for a delicious end to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Is this dish spicy? The amount of red pepper flakes determines the level of spice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can also omit them entirely for a mild flavor.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The rich and herby sauce elevates simple chicken breasts to something truly special. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe is a flavor explosion! Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a rich, herby, slightly spicy cowboy butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of red pepper flakes, creating a truly irresistible dish. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of savory, buttery, and slightly zesty flavors, all while being incredibly easy to make. (approx. 200 chars).
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken with the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg