Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

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There’s something wildly satisfying about a rich, buttery sauce clinging to perfectly seared chicken—and this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken does just that. With bold flavors from garlic, Dijon, and smoked paprika, mellowed out by heavy cream and brightened with fresh herbs, it’s the kind of skillet dinner that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special.

Each bite is layered with complexity—a balance of heat, creaminess, and just a hint of zing. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, this is one dish that hits every note of comfort and indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

This dish packs massive flavor with minimal effort. Cowboy butter is already a powerhouse on its own, but turning it into a luscious sauce that bathes juicy chicken breasts? That’s next-level magic. It’s rich but not heavy, bold but not overpowering, and easy enough to throw together in under 30 minutes.

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What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Cowboy Butter Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a more tender, juicy result. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

Chicken Breasts – These are the main protein and offer a lean, versatile base for the bold sauce.

Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder – Adds a smoky warmth and robust foundation of flavor.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavor.

Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.

Butter – The base of cowboy butter, it adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.

Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the butter sauce with sharp, aromatic depth.

Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and sharpness to balance the creamy components.

Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a subtle kick of heat that cuts through the richness.

Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce and lifts all the flavors.

Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce extra luxurious and smooth.

Chopped Parsley & Chives – Adds freshness, color, and a subtle oniony note.

Sun-dried Tomatoes – Brings a sweet-savory chew that punctuates each bite.

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How To Make the Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Cowboy Butter Base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, and juice from ½ lemon. Let this bubble for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cream It Up

Lower heat slightly and pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir until well combined, letting it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice as needed.

Step 4: Bring Back the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until warmed through.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped chives, and 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Serve hot with your choice of side.

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Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

This dish makes 4 hearty servings. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables. If you’re leaning low-carb, try serving it over garlic cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lighter touch.

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Storing Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so just reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it back up. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the cream, which can separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are a great option and may even be juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly since they can cook faster than breasts.

What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted veggies work well. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini are great picks.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder sauce.

Can I substitute the cream?
If needed, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Full-fat coconut milk is an option too, but it will slightly change the flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Use a thermometer! Chicken breasts are perfectly cooked at 165°F. Searing over medium-high and finishing in the sauce helps prevent dryness.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken made your weeknight feel gourmet, check out these other flavorful chicken favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for cozy vibes and earthy umami.
• Cheesy Creamed Spinach as a rich and creamy sidekick.
• Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce to serve with steak or roasted veggies.
• Chicken Florentine if you love a creamy garlic spinach twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different herb combo or toss in mushrooms? I love hearing your twists and tips. Questions welcome too—let’s make dinner better together.

Find more recipe inspiration on my Pinterest at Life With Livia.

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