Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress family and friends with a simple yet delicious meal. The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices creates a taste that you won’t forget. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and bakes in just 25-30 minutes!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cowboy butter mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful dish.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken
This delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken can be served with a variety of sides. Popular options include rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. The rich butter sauce pairs well with any side dish.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing it in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. If you can, use fresh parsley, chives, and thyme instead of dried.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer can help; look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Try Different Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper!
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added to the baking dish. They will soak up the butter sauce while cooking, adding even more flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well and will often be more tender and juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of unsalted butter.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and butter mixture ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
Cowboy Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A mouthwatering dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful butter sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cowboy butter mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful dish.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg