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Cowboy Butter Chicken in a cast iron skillet with garlic herb butter sauce.

Cowboy Butter Chicken

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, zesty garlic-herb butter sauce. A quick, high-protein dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, thyme, and honey. Let sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until fully coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs work wonderfully and stay even juicier. Baking Option: Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, then pour warm cowboy butter over before serving. Tips: Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking. Add a splash of chicken broth if you want more sauce.
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