Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, juicy appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion. These tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice and fresh herbs.
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
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer together for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
- For a smoky depth, try adding a dash of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder.
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 to preserve the buttery sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
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 to ensure even cooking and the right texture. Frozen chicken may release excess water and affect the searing process.
Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter sauce ingredients ahead and keep them refrigerated. When ready, melt them together in the skillet and toss with freshly cooked chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, quick-cooking dish featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and tossed in a zesty, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, mustard, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a main dish served with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 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
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant and well combined.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them in the cowboy butter sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the mixture simmer for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and serve the cowboy butter chicken bites immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites; breasts also work well for a leaner option.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Cook chicken in batches to ensure even searing and avoid steaming.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Keywords: chicken bites, cowboy butter, garlic butter chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy skillet chicken, spicy chicken bites
