Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are pan-seared and coated in a rich, buttery sauce with smoky and zesty spices. Serve these bites with lemon wedges for a bright finish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and cook until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme. Mix well to combine the sauce.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the buttery sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier and more flavorful bites.
• Serve with crusty bread or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to get a nice golden crust.

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 until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it when reheating.

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 fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 111 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, golden-browned pieces of chicken breasts cooked in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for a hearty appetizer or a delicious main dish served with lemon wedges for extra zest.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

To Serve

• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and help achieve a nice sear.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Combine Flavorings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and fresh thyme. If using, add the cayenne pepper to give an extra kick. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, aromatic sauce.
5. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss or spoon the cowboy butter sauce over the pieces. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired and serve the chicken bites hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over before eating.

Notes

• Cooking chicken in batches helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor; dried can be a substitute but use half the quantity.
• This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden crust.

Keywords: Chicken bites, cowboy butter sauce, garlic chicken, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe