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An extreme close-up overhead shot of Cowboy Butter Chicken, highlighting the rich texture of the garlic herb butter sauce clinging to the pan-seared chicken.
FL Recipes

Cowboy Butter Chicken: The Ultimate 30-Minute Skillet Dinner

This Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, zesty garlic herb butter sauce. A perfect one-pan, 30-minute meal for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 6 oz each, pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet A 12-inch cast iron skillet is recommended.
  • 1 Meat Thermometer For checking chicken doneness.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the parsley, chives, thyme, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it warm through for a minute before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 38gFat: 35gFiber: 1g

Notes

For the best sear, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
Fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor.
Keyword chicken skillet recipe,cowboy butter chicken,garlic butter chicken

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