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InternationalMedium

Cowboy Butter Chicken

AT

By

Ago Tanfossi

Chef and recipe curator at Global Cucina

Published on March 20, 2026

Updated on April 2, 2026

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This Cowboy Butter Chicken is a quick one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken breasts tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat. Bold, balanced, and ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that feels a little extra without the extra effort.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this Cowboy Butter Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a burst of flavors from garlic, paprika, and lemon, all cooked in a single skillet.

35 min
4 servings
Capolavoro Score 4.6/5 · 25 votes
Cowboy Butter Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 8 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 tsp Chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat dry 4 chicken breasts and pound slightly if needed. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 160°F. Remove and let rest.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, thyme, and paprika. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

  5. 5

    Slice the rested chicken into strips. Return to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let simmer gently for 3 minutes to coat the chicken.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Ago's Notes

  • Adjust salt to taste based on your canned goods.

This dish is a testament to the magic of simplicity. The warmth of the butter and the smoky whisper of smoked paprika create a comforting balance that’s both bold and satisfying, much like its cowboy namesake.

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