Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken – Easy One Pan Skillet Dinner

This creamy cowboy butter chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. The rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with herbs and spices coats tender chicken pieces perfectly, creating a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines the bold flavors of cowboy butter with a creamy, luxurious sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

If you enjoy easy chicken dinners, you might also love our creamy rotisserie chicken pasta for another quick meal option.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Expert Tips

For the best results, pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken – cook in batches if necessary. The cayenne pepper can be adjusted based on your spice preference – start with less and add more to taste. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.

If you’re looking for more creamy chicken recipes, check out our crack chicken penne with ranch flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay more tender and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The dish will still have great flavor from the garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika.

What can I serve with creamy cowboy butter chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple salad make great sides.

For another delicious one-pan chicken dinner, try our lemon cowboy butter chicken pasta with broccoli.

Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken – Easy One Pan Skillet Dinner

This creamy cowboy butter chicken is an easy one-pan skillet dinner that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with herbs and spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a comforting family meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add remaining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet – cook in batches if needed. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. Add fresh lemon juice at the end for extra flavor boost.