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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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