Cowboy Butter Chicken

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken gives you a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce over simple baked chicken. It cooks fast and uses common ingredients. This recipe works for weeknights and for guests. It tastes fresh because of the herbs and lemon. You get a lot of flavor with little work.

introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken is chicken baked under a butter-based sauce with garlic, herbs, paprika, and lemon. The sauce stays bright and rich. If you want a different way to serve it, try a related pasta idea like the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a saucy meal.

how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken

You make the sauce on the stove, pour it over chicken in a baking dish, then bake until the chicken is done. The butter and garlic mix with herbs and lemon to make a simple, tasty sauce. Bake 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until the chicken reaches a safe temperature.

Ingredients :

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in parsley, chives, dill, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cowboy butter sauce over the top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
6. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken

Serve the chicken warm with the sauce spooned over the top. Good sides:

• Rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables for color and crunch.
• Toss with pasta for a saucier dish.
• Serve with crusty bread to mop the butter sauce.

how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken

• Fridge: Cool the chicken, place in an airtight container, and keep up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Put in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot, or use a microwave for short bursts to avoid drying.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken

• Pound thicker breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t burn the garlic when melting butter; cook just until fragrant.
• Taste the sauce and adjust salt, lemon, or cayenne to your liking.
• Fresh herbs make the sauce brighter than dried herbs.

variation (if any)

• Use bone-in chicken thighs; increase bake time.
• Add honey or brown sugar for a sweet note.
• Swap herbs: cilantro or basil can give a new flavor.
• Make it on the stove: sear chicken in a skillet, then simmer in the sauce until done.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: You should thaw them first. Cooking from frozen will change the bake time and may cook unevenly.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the butter sauce and store in the fridge for 1–2 days. Warm it before pouring over the chicken.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from cayenne. Reduce or skip the cayenne for less heat.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: You can. Reduce added salt so the dish does not become too salty.

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