Cowboy Butter Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste The main star here is the chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. The butter adds richness. It also helps carry the flavors. Herbs like parsley and chives bring freshness. Garlic adds depth and a bit of bite. Lemon juice gives a nice tang. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Onion powder and cumin add savory notes. Cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can adjust this to your taste. If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. It will still taste great. For a lower-fat option, use chicken thighs. They have more flavor and stay moist. If you're allergic to garlic, try shallots for a milder flavor. You can skip the cayenne if you prefer no spice. Just remember to season with salt and pepper! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with the herbs and spices. First, add the chopped parsley and chives. Then, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice. Next, sprinkle in smoked paprika, onion powder, and ground cumin. Add cayenne pepper for heat and season with salt and pepper. Make sure to blend everything well. This cowboy butter adds rich flavor to your chicken. Prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry. This step helps them sear better. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Now, get an oven-safe skillet and melt a tablespoon of cowboy butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This process gives the chicken a nice crust. After the chicken is browned, take the skillet off the heat. Spoon generous portions of the remaining cowboy butter over each chicken breast. This step is key for adding flavor. Next, place the skillet in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve it on a plate with a drizzle of melted cowboy butter for extra goodness. Enjoy your meal! To keep your chicken tender, start by using boneless, skinless breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them sear well. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Searing locks in juices. Cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is key for tenderness. You can make this dish more exciting! Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. A pinch of cayenne gives heat. If you like a smoky taste, add more smoked paprika. These small changes can elevate your cowboy butter chicken. Avoid overcooking the chicken. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. Too much heat can dry it out. Also, make sure not to skip resting the chicken. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, making it juicy and delicious. Pro Tips Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to allow for easy mixing and better adherence to the chicken. Cooking Method: For a perfectly seared chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite. Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference; add more cayenne for heat or extra herbs for freshness. {{image_2}} To spice up Cowboy Butter Chicken, add more cayenne pepper. Start with one teaspoon. Taste it as you go. If you want more heat, add more. You could also use hot sauce in the cowboy butter mix. This gives it a nice kick. You can switch up the herbs in this dish. Instead of parsley and chives, try basil or cilantro. Fresh thyme also works well. Each herb adds its own unique flavor. Use what you love or what you have on hand. If you want to try something different, use fish or shrimp. Salmon or tilapia are great options. For shrimp, adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking. You can even try this recipe with tofu for a vegan option. Just make sure to press the tofu first. This helps it absorb the cowboy butter flavor. After you enjoy your cowboy butter chicken, store the leftovers right. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to add any leftover cowboy butter on top. It adds flavor and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them carefully. You want the chicken to stay juicy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave it. Just heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. If you want to save your cowboy butter chicken for later, freezing is a good option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cowboy butter is a tasty blend of butter and herbs. It includes garlic, parsley, and chives. This mix gives the chicken a burst of flavor. The smoked paprika adds a nice warmth. You can use it on meats, veggies, or bread. It makes dishes rich and fun. Yes, you can make Cowboy Butter Chicken in advance. Prepare the cowboy butter and chicken ahead of time. Store the butter in the fridge for a few days. You can also cook the chicken, let it cool, and then refrigerate. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken. This makes meal prep easy. Many side dishes go well with Cowboy Butter Chicken. Here are some great options: - Steamed greens like broccoli or spinach - Fluffy rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes for comfort - A fresh garden salad for crunch These sides complement the chicken's flavor and make a complete meal. This post broke down how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken. We explored the key ingredients and their substitutes for various dietary needs. I shared step-by-step cooking methods and gave tips to ensure tasty results. I also covered delicious variations and proper storage for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. With practice, you'll master it in no time! Whether you make it spicy or try other proteins, there’s always room for creativity. Happy cooking!$

A flavorful and buttery chicken dish with a hint of spice, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped parsley, chives, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. This will make your cowboy butter.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them sear better. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In an oven-safe skillet, melt a tablespoon of the cowboy butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Once browned, remove the skillet from heat and spoon generous portions of the remaining cowboy butter over each chicken breast.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the melted cowboy butter from the skillet for extra flavor.

Notes

Plate the chicken on a bed of steamed greens or fluffy rice, drizzle with extra cowboy butter, and garnish with additional herbs for a pop of color.

Keyword butter, chicken, easy, spicy