Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (diced into 1-inch pieces)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Fresh garlic: 6 cloves (minced)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Tomato paste: 1/4 cup
- Smoked paprika: 1 tablespoon
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Dried herbs (parsley and thyme): 1 teaspoon total
Instructions
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sear quickly until browned on all sides, but not necessarily cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Create the Cowboy Butter Base. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and thyme. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, ensuring the butter does not brown or burn.
- Step 3: Build the Sauce. Stir the tomato paste and garam masala into the butter mixture. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and combined. Bring the sauce to a low simmer.
- Step 4: Combine and Simmer. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken entirely in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken while the chicken finishes cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Final Touches and Serve. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat. Serve the Speedy Cowboy Butter Chicken immediately over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the rich sauce will solidify significantly when cold, which is a normal result of the high butter content.
- For best results, reheat slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, and incorporate a small splash of water or milk if the sauce appears too tight or begins to break.
- Enhance the flavor and texture by topping the finished dish with fresh chopped cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice or a dollop of cooling Greek yogurt.
- When building the Cowboy Butter Base (Step 2), ensure the heat remains at medium so the butter melts without browning, which prevents the garlic and spices from developing a bitter taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American