Description
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken is a quick dinner favorite, combining juicy seared chicken with a bold, buttery sauce made with garlic, Dijon, smoked paprika, and cream. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights, dinner ideas with a twist, or a flavorful upgrade to your easy recipe lineup. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or low-carb options like cauliflower mash for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 lemon juiced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives
2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until well combined. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley, chives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve hot.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture.
You can swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness, just adjust cooking time.
Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much after chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, creamy chicken skillet, easy dinner, chicken recipe, skillet dinner