Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection and then coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe brings bold, comforting flavors to your table in just a few simple steps.

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, 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 until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the 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 it well in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer together for an additional minute to meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites or breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the butter sauce for extra depth.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

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, being careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.

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 breasts or thighs for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before starting.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute with yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or omit it altogether. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice and citrus. Perfect as a quick dinner or appetizer, this skillet-cooked dish combines tender chicken with smoky paprika, fresh parsley, and a luscious cowboy butter sauce that will satisfy your cravings.

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

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 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 Ingredients

• 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 to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning blend.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
4. Combine and Finish: Return all the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them well in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional minute to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs if you want juicier bites; breasts will work for a leaner option.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Cooking the chicken in batches prevents steaming and ensures a nice sear.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but you can substitute with cilantro if preferred.
• Serve immediately, as the butter sauce sets when cooled.

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