Cowboy Butter Recipe
A bold and zesty cowboy butter recipe made with garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and spices. This quick 15-minute sauce is perfect as a dip, spread, or basting butter for steak, chicken, seafood, and veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 120 kcal
Small saucepan
Wooden spoon or whisk
Knife & cutting board
Mixing bowl (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Melt Butter – In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat.
Add Garlic – Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
Mix Flavors – Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, and spices. Stir well.
Add Herbs – Mix in parsley and chives.
Serve – Enjoy warm as a dipping sauce or chill into a spreadable butter.
Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne and red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Try it on cowboy butter chicken, steak, seafood, or roasted veggies.

Keyword cowboy butter recipe, cowboy butter sauce, cowboy butter seasoning