Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, quick dish perfect for any weeknight. Tender chicken pieces are seared and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice, making every bite irresistible.

The image shows many small, golden-brown fried pieces that look crispy on the outside with some darker spots of browning. Each piece is roughly round and bumpy, tightly packed together, with a shiny glaze giving them a slight oily look. The background is a white marbled surface, making the warm tones of the food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in 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 in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for another minute to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme can be swapped for parsley for a different flavor profile.

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 sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

The image shows many small, golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken closely packed together. Each piece has a slightly crispy outer texture with visible seasoning and a few darker roasted spots, giving a warm and appetizing look. The uneven shapes and rough surfaces of the chicken pieces create a natural, homemade feel. The background is a white marbled texture that makes the rich colors of the chicken stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?

While you can prepare the sauce in advance, it’s best to toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant flavors.