Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice and fresh herbs. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a bold, comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking each batch until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cowboy butter sauce. Let it simmer for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites compared to breasts.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the butter sauce for extra depth.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley is not available, you can use dried parsley, though use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or chives can add a different but pleasant flavor.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, seared to golden perfection, and coated in a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This skillet-cooked dish comes together quickly and makes a perfect appetizer or main course with a bold, savory flavor.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Cooking & Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for balanced seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, then set aside the cooked chicken.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce is well blended.
4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet. Toss the chicken thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce to coat all pieces evenly. Let everything simmer together for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.
5. Serve: Garnish the chicken bites with extra fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full flavors of the dish.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Serve as an appetizer or with sides like roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: chicken bites, cowboy butter, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe, spicy chicken bites, appetizer, dinner