Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, sizzling appetizer or main dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, buttery sauce full of garlic, spice, and zest. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or sharing with guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
3. Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt completely.
5. Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them to coat thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce.
8. Step 8: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for garnish.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and serve immediately, either as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice or pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Replace parsley with cilantro for a different herbal note.

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 to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

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 pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture, which can affect browning and sauce consistency.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your Dijon mustard does not contain any gluten additives.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and a hint of honey. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, making it an ideal appetizer or a satisfying main served over rice or pasta.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Heat the skillet and oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
3. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Melt the butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt completely, absorbing the browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
5. Sauté the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant without burning.
6. Add spices and flavorings: Mix in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
7. Combine chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss well to coat them thoroughly with the cowboy butter sauce.
8. Simmer briefly: Cook the coated chicken for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat until heated through and the sauce clings well.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or a main dish paired with rice or pasta.

Notes

• To avoid overcrowding the skillet, cook chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Serve over cooked rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce fully.
• Fresh parsley adds brightness; you can substitute with cilantro if preferred.
• Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Chicken Bites, Garlic Butter Chicken, Spicy Chicken Bites, Appetizer, Quick Dinner