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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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.