There’s something truly special about a warm meal that brings back memories of family dinners or cozy nights in. This Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is not just a dish—it’s a hug on a plate. It’s quick, it’s easy, and trust me, it’s going to be a hit with everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta: This fun shape adds a playful touch to your dish!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing your chicken to golden perfection.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Juicy and tender, these are the star of the show.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- 4 tablespoons cowboy butter (or garlic herb butter): This is where the magic happens; it adds a rich, buttery flavor!
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens up the dish with a zesty kick.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to your sauce.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, they bring a lovely crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For that fresh garnish that makes everything pop!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Because who can resist the creamy goodness on top?
How to Make Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the cowboy butter. Once melted, add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until tender and bright green.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to get creative, here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Tips for Success
Here are some friendly pointers to ensure your dish turns out perfect:
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it helps bind everything together!
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; you want it tender but still vibrant.
- If you’re prepping ahead, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and just warm them up when ready to serve.
How to Store Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. It’s just as delicious the next day!
FAQs
- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Absolutely! Whole wheat bowtie pasta will work just as well.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, substitute the chicken for chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
- How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure your cowboy butter is gluten-free.
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy lemon chicken recipe or these easy rotisserie chicken tostadas for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delightful recipes and inspiration!
Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
There’s something truly special about a warm meal that brings back memories of family dinners or cozy nights in. This Irresistibly Juicy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is not just a dish—it's a hug on a plate. It’s quick, it's easy, and trust me, it's going to be a hit with everyone at your table!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the cowboy butter. Once melted, add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until tender and bright green.
- Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Step 7: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
