Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, flavorful pieces of chicken coated in a rich and zesty butter sauce. This easy skillet recipe combines smoky spices with a garlicky, lemony glaze that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients

• 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large 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 for 5 to 7 minutes and turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the cowboy butter sauce. Let it simmer for 1 minute to infuse the flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For best flavor and texture, sear the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet to achieve a nice golden crust.
• To add smokiness, try using smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the buttery sauce and avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit them for no spice at all.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of heat and fresh herbs. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken bites bring a savory, buttery punch with every bite.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to combine and cook the sauce for 1 minute to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the cowboy butter sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
5. Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while the chicken bites are hot and flavorful.

Notes

• For maximum flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning.
• You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will give a juicier bite.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes amount to control the heat level in the sauce.
• Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Ensure garlic does not burn when cooking the sauce as it can become bitter.

Keywords: chicken bites, cowboy butter sauce, skillet chicken, garlicky butter chicken, quick chicken recipe, smoked paprika chicken