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Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe - Easy One-Pan Dinner

Bring hearty Western flavors to your weeknight dinner routine with this Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe that combines signature cowboy butter sauce with tender chicken breasts. This ultra-creamy chicken dinner comes together in just one pan with a garlicky, herb-infused creamy sauce featuring Worcestershire, lemon juice, and Italian herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  4. Create the creamy base: Pour in Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Finish cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

For even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness before seasoning. Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if needed. Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding broth/water for thinner sauce. Customize herb blend with thyme or rosemary variations.