Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are seared and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a touch of heat and fresh herbs. This simple recipe delivers bold flavors that everyone will love.

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, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat well with the butter sauce.
5. Step 5: Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier bites, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover 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 until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken 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 chicken or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure safety and texture.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil and ensure any additional ingredients are dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and quick-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of smoky paprika and spicy red pepper flakes. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, this recipe is packed with vibrant flavors and finished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

• Author: Isabella
• 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 and Seasoning

• 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. Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Sauté the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook them without crowding the pan, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, push the chicken to one side of the skillet, and add the unsalted butter to the cleared side. Once melted, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and flavor: Stir the garlic butter through the chicken, then add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Finish with parsley: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites. Give a final stir to distribute the herb evenly.
7. Serve: Transfer the cowboy butter chicken bites to a serving platter and serve hot as a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier bites; chicken breasts work as a leaner alternative.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or omit it if preferred.
• Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
• Ensure not to overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning of the chicken.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, garlic butter chicken, smoked paprika chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken bites