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Cowboy Butter Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken and Rice is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, creamy cowboy butter sauce, and fluffy long-grain rice. This comforting meal combines the richness of heavy cream, the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, and the zesty brightness of fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges, delivering a satisfying dinner perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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 a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted and hot.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the butter and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  3. Add and Toast Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, coating it well with the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan with the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 18 minutes, allowing rice to absorb the liquid and cook through.
  5. Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork and keep it covered to retain warmth.
  6. Prepare Chicken: While the rice cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  7. Cook Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Work in batches if necessary. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  8. Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium-low. Add the heavy whipping cream and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Let it gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Add Cowboy Butter: Stir in the cowboy butter until fully melted and incorporated into the cream sauce.
  10. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cooking just until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
  11. Combine Rice with Sauce: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the sauce. Fold gently to evenly coat the rice with the creamy mixture.
  12. Fold in Chicken: Carefully fold the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small splash of warm broth or cream to loosen it slightly.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  • To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though it may affect richness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Cooking the rice covered and letting it rest helps achieve fluffy, tender grains.
  • If cowboy butter is unavailable, you can make a quick version by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, and spices.
  • Adding lemon wedges at serving time brightens and balances the richness of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, creamy chicken and rice, one-pan chicken recipe, comfort food, stovetop chicken, creamy rice dish

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