Bold, buttery, and packed with flavor, One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in just one skillet. Juicy chicken is seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a rich, garlicky, herby butter sauce with a touch of heat and tangy lemon. Inspired by the classic cowboy butter sauce, this dish delivers big flavor without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or cozy dinners at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with bold flavor. Searing the chicken locks in juices while the cowboy butter sauce infuses every bite with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is minimal, and the sauce is ready to spoon over potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread. It’s comfort food with a kick, perfect for anyone who loves garlic butter and easy, satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Proper seasoning ensures every bite is flavorful.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cowboy Butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chili flakes, parsley, and thyme. Stir until fully combined.
Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the top. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon extra sauce over each piece before serving.
Variations
- Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for richness.
- Lemon Garlic Version: Increase lemon zest and juice for a brighter flavor.
- Spicy Cowboy Chicken: Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Steakhouse Style: Stir in Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, umami flavor.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables instead of starches.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts also work well.
- Avoid burning garlic—lower the heat before adding butter.
- The sauce thickens slightly as it cools.
- Fresh herbs give the best flavor; dried works in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet dinner with:
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles
- Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce
- Optional: garnish with extra parsley or a wedge of lemon
This dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or a more indulgent weekend meal.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
- Store leftovers with sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
- For added richness, finish the sauce with a tiny pat of butter before serving.
Prep and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 540mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a bold, herby butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and spice. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for chicken, steak, or seafood.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare and sear the chicken ahead, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently on the stovetop with sauce before serving.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust chili flakes to taste or omit entirely for a more family-friendly version.
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, this sauce works beautifully with pork chops, shrimp, or even firm white fish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Chicken is a bold, indulgent skillet dinner that’s deceptively simple. Juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a one-pan method make it perfect for busy nights, casual entertaining, or anytime you want something comforting yet exciting. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether served over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables, every bite delivers buttery, garlicky satisfaction. Once you try it, this skillet dinner will become a staple in your rotation for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.