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The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken

The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken
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The Best Cowboy Butter Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich, buttery sauce infused with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and creamy heavy cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this recipe combines simple pantry staples to deliver a gourmet-tasting, smoky, and comforting meal that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4–6 chicken thighs (skin-on preferred, boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (divided)

Butter and Aromatics

  • 3–4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices for Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (remaining)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (remaining)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the chili powder and smoked paprika. This initial seasoning builds the foundation for flavor and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Reduce heat to medium, add more butter, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, letting the spices bloom in the butter for about a minute.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and soak up the buttery sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Notes

  • Use skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and crispiness when browning.
  • Don’t rush the browning process; a deep golden crust adds texture and richness.
  • Letting the spices bloom in butter intensifies their flavor.
  • Simmer sauce longer for thicker consistency or add a splash of broth if too thick.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance flavors well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, buttery chicken recipe, smoky chicken, creamy chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/the-best-cowboy-butter-chicken/