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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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