Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, these bites pack a punch with a hint of smokiness and a touch of heat.
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 pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove the 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 the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat fully in the cowboy butter sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to absorb the flavors.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately, enjoying the rich and zesty flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smokiness, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder along with the smoked paprika.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a little butter or olive oil if the sauce has thickened too much.
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 for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is completely thawed before cutting and cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are flavorful, tender pieces of chicken seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and a hint of spice. This quick and easy skillet dish makes a perfect appetizer or main course bursting with bold Southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook each batch until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then mix in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, cooking the mixture for an additional minute to develop the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return all the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken bites with extra chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will offer juicier bites.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spiciness preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish and fresh flavor, but cilantro can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, garlic butter chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken bites, smoky chicken appetizer, quick chicken dinner
