Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried chives
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, thyme, chives, and smoked paprika.
4. Combine
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Toss well to coat the chicken in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes until heated through.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work just as well.
- For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after making the sauce.
- Add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Skillet delivers tender chicken coated in a rich, garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce with just the right balance of tanginess and heat, making it a family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. 🤠🍗🧈✨
