One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken (Bold, Buttery Skillet Dinner)

Introduction

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dinner that delivers juicy chicken drenched in rich, garlicky, herby butter—all made in a single skillet. Inspired by the wildly popular cowboy butter sauce, this dish combines butter, garlic, herbs, a little heat, and tangy lemon to create a sauce that’s completely irresistible.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity paired with big flavor. The chicken is seared until golden, locking in juices, then finished in a sizzling cowboy butter sauce that coats every bite. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a punch of garlic, herbs, and spice that feels indulgent but comes together fast.

This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or when you want something comforting yet exciting. It pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the buttery sauce.

If you love garlic butter, bold seasoning, and easy cleanup, One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Cowboy Butter Sauce:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme

Preparation
Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chili flakes, parsley, and thyme. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Finish the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the top. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.

Variations

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream.

Lemon Garlic Version: Add extra lemon zest and juice.

Spicy Cowboy Chicken: Increase chili flakes or add cayenne.

Steakhouse Style: Add Worcestershire sauce to the butter.

Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.

Cooking Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well.

Do not burn the garlic—lower heat before adding butter.

Sauce thickens slightly as it cools.

Use fresh herbs for best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the rich sauce.

Tips

Use a cast-iron skillet for best sear.

Let chicken rest before slicing.

Adjust spice level to taste.

Store leftovers with sauce to keep chicken moist.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 520

Protein: 36g

Sodium: 540mg

FAQs

What is cowboy butter?
A bold butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and spice.

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but cooking time will increase.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently on the stovetop.

Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy—adjust chili flakes to taste.

Conclusion

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is bold, buttery, and packed with unforgettable flavor. Juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a one-skillet method make this dish perfect for busy nights or indulgent dinners at home. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal cleanup—and once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again. 🧄🧈🍗

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