Delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken served on a rustic wooden platter.

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the juiciness of chicken and the rich flavors of cowboy butter. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices makes every bite delicious. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the cowboy butter.
In a baking dish, place the chicken breasts and pour the cowboy butter mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken

Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken hot from the oven. It pairs well with a side of fresh vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad. Adding a slice of lemon on the side can enhance the lemony flavor of the dish.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken

Make sure the butter is softened before mixing; this helps it blend well with the other ingredients.
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
If you prefer a little heat, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Variation

You can easily turn this recipe into a Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta by slicing the cooked chicken and tossing it with cooked pasta and extra cowboy butter. Adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can make it even more vibrant.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

2. What can I substitute for butter?
You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, but the flavor will be different.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Cowboy Butter Chicken is an easy and tasty meal perfect for any occasion! Enjoy the rich flavors and simplicity of this delightful dish.