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Cowboy Butter Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken and Rice is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken breast pieces with rich cowboy butter, Parmesan cheese, and long-grain white rice. This hearty recipe features a luscious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth, bringing a southwestern flair to a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Rice and Broth

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (277 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 ¾ cups (22 ounces / 660 g) chicken broth

Sauce

  • 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons cowboy butter
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in saucepan: In a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their fragrance.
  3. Add and toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the butter and aromatics. Toast the rice for 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor.
  4. Simmer rice in broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer the rice for 18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Rest and fluff rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains and keep warm.
  6. Prepare the chicken: While the rice is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika for balanced flavor.
  7. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  8. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy whipping cream and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Incorporate cowboy butter: Add cowboy butter to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated, giving the sauce a rich, spiced flavor.
  10. Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cooking just until melted and smooth, enhancing the creaminess and umami of the sauce.
  11. Combine rice and sauce: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and fold gently until it is evenly coated and creamy.
  12. Fold in cooked chicken: Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces into the creamy rice mixture. If needed, add a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen the dish slightly for perfect consistency.
  13. Garnish and serve: Garnish the Cowboy Butter Chicken and Rice with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking to get a nice golden crust.
  • Cooking the rice covered and allowing it to rest after simmering ensures fluffy, well-cooked grains.
  • If you don’t have cowboy butter, you can substitute with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of chili powder.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • Add lemon wedges at serving to balance the richness with a fresh citrus note.
  • This dish can be prepared entirely on the stovetop, making it easy for weeknight meals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, creamy chicken and rice, one pot chicken recipe, skillet chicken, comfort food, easy dinner

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-and-rice-recipe/