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

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

Season the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
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.
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.
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.
Sauté the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant without burning.
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.
Combine chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss well to coat them thoroughly with the cowboy butter sauce.
Simmer briefly: Cook the coated chicken for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat until heated through and the sauce clings well.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
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