Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and juicy appetizer perfect for sharing or enjoying as a main dish. With a smoky, garlicky sauce and tender chicken pieces, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thigh meat can be used for extra moisture)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Step 3: In a clean saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return the seared chicken to the sauce and toss to coat, cooking for an additional minute on low heat.
5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
• Substitute lime juice for lemon juice to add a fresh twist.
• Swap parsley with cilantro or your favorite fresh herbs for a unique flavor.
• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Try plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing richness.

Storage

Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain tenderness and flavor.

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 for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the butter sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the cooked chicken to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

Tender chicken bites seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of spice. This quick skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main dish, bursting with smoky, buttery goodness and aromatic herbs.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thigh meat preferred for extra moisture)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to ensure each piece is well flavored.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without moving until the bottoms turn golden brown. Flip the pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In a clean saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce is fragrant and well combined.
4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the saucepan with the butter sauce. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly, then cook together on low heat for an additional minute to meld flavors and heat through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated chicken bites to a serving dish. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken pieces are dry before seasoning to achieve the best sear and golden crust.
• Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a non-dairy version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and olive oil as preferred.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.

Keywords: Cowboy butter chicken, chicken bites, stovetop chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy appetizer, smoked paprika chicken, quick chicken recipe