Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Tender chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection and coated in a zesty, buttery sauce with a hint of spice. Serve them with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme until the sauce is well combined.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the buttery sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 6: Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce along with the red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.
- Serve over rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried if necessary—use about one-third of the amount.
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 or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
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 breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?
This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are succulent, perfectly seared chicken pieces coated in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and smoky spices. This quick skillet meal combines the tang of lemon juice and zest with the warmth of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, making it a vibrant dish perfect for a hearty snack or an easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Additional chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then season them evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme. If using cayenne pepper, add it now for extra heat. Mix all ingredients well to combine the sauce thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet and toss in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the chicken through.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve the hot chicken bites alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus brightness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs and lemon zest for maximum flavor.
- Optional cayenne pepper can be adjusted to taste or omitted for a milder dish.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken to ensure proper browning.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, garlic chicken, skillet chicken recipe, spicy butter chicken, smoked paprika chicken, quick chicken dinner, lemon butter chicken
