Craving a weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor but stays totally doable? Meet Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken with Crispy Potatoes. This one-pan favorite pairs tender, marinated chicken with irresistibly crisp potatoes in a savory sauce enriched by cowboy butter. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and fast enough for busy families. Best of all, you’ll finish dinner with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Ready to get cooking? Grab your ingredients and you’ll be eating in moments.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Rich, savory, and satisfying in every bite.
- Simple, quick to prepare, ideal for busy evenings.
- One-pan convenience keeps cleanup light.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorites.
- Impressive flavor without complicated steps.
This Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken proves you don’t need long, fussy instructions to deliver a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients + Notes/Substitutions
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into vertical strips (about 1/2–3/4 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 6 tablespoons cowboy butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Notes & substitutions
- Chicken options: swap in chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Potato varieties: Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes all work.
- Cowboy butter alternatives: garlic herb butter still delivers great flavor.
- Homemade cowboy butter: for best results, make your own by mixing softened butter with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of paprika.
This section uses simple ingredients to keep Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken approachable while leaving room for your pantry twists.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Meat thermometer
Having the right tools keeps the workflow smooth and prevents overthinking this quick recipe.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while preparing the potatoes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and boil for 8–10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Depending on potato size, times may vary. Drain and set aside.
- To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the boiled potatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fork-tender. Transfer potatoes to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Cook 1–2 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Pour in the reserved marinade. Cook with the chicken until the liquid is reduced by half, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the sautéed potatoes and cowboy butter to the skillet. Toss to combine with the chicken and sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the butter is melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
These steps walk you through a straightforward assembly of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken with Crispy Potatoes, keeping the process practical and delicious.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cut chicken and potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if needed.
- Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Aim for a crisp exterior on the potatoes for texture contrast.
- Keep butter from burning by watching heat and adding it at the right time.
These quick tips help you nail the texture and flavor of this dish every time.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables, like carrots or asparagus.
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans for color and nutrition.
- Offer with warm crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
- A light, tangy coleslaw can brighten the plate.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool leftovers completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra sweetness.
- Swap chicken for steak or shrimp for a coastal twist.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Try different fresh herbs like thyme or chives.
- Toss in other root vegetables, such as carrots, for variety.
This section keeps Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken flexible so you can tailor it to your weeknight pantry and taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-made cowboy butter?
A: Yes, store-bought is convenient, but making a quick homemade version yields fresher flavor for this Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
A: Bake the marinated chicken on a sheet pan at 400°F until cooked through, then combine with potatoes and butter for a finish similar to the skillet method.
How do I make homemade cowboy butter?
A: Soften butter and whisk in garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of paprika. This compound butter adds the signature finish to Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken.
Conclusion
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken with Crispy Potatoes proves that home cooking can be quick, flavorful, and forgiving. The combination of marinated chicken and crisp potatoes, and a glossy butter sauce delivers a comforting meal with minimal effort. Its weeknight efficiency and adaptability make it perfect for busy parents and beginning cooks alike. Give this recipe a try, share your results, and rate it to help others discover how tasty simple can be. Enjoy the comfort of Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken tonight.

Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken with Crispy Potatoes
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into vertical strips (about ½ -¾ inch thick)
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes halved or quartered (depending on the size of potatoes)
- 6 tablespoons cowboy butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper; marinate while preparing potatoes.
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook boiled potatoes for 4-5 minutes until golden and tender; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet, then cook marinated chicken strips in a single layer until browned and cooked to 165°F, reserving the marinade.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and cook with the chicken for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
- Add sautéed potatoes and cowboy butter to the skillet, toss to combine with chicken and sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and butter is melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, serve immediately, and garnish with chopped parsley.


