Description
Bring bold, buttery flavor to your dinner table with this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken—a one-skillet wonder that combines juicy pan-seared chicken breasts with a zesty, creamy cowboy butter sauce. With notes of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a hint of heat, it’s a comforting yet lively dish perfect for easy dinners, cozy weekend meals, or even special occasions. It’s one of the best easy dinner recipes for chicken lovers looking for weeknight dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice taste. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a meal that hits every comfort-food note.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt additional 2 tablespoons butter. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add lemon juice and heavy cream. Stir to combine and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
If your sauce thickens too much on reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg