Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a bold, buttery skillet dinner packed with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and herbs. This easy one-pan Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe delivers juicy seared chicken coated in a rich, zesty butter sauce with just the right kick of heat. Perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, it pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F.
4. Remove chicken and reduce heat to medium.
5. Melt butter in the same skillet.
6. Add garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
7. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and chicken broth.
8. Simmer sauce 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top.
10. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes to coat and reheat.
11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Fresh lemon juice provides brighter flavor than bottled.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Chicken breasts can be substituted but may cook faster.
For extra richness, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream at the end.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, garlic butter chicken, skillet chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe