Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty appetizer. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice and fresh herbs.

The image shows a close-up of many small, golden-brown fried chicken bites with a crispy texture and some seasoning, all piled together tightly. The colors range from dark golden to light golden with visible herbs and a shiny, slightly oily surface that makes them look juicy and well-cooked. The background is a white marbled texture. 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, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat evenly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine the sauce.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce until well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when making the butter sauce for extra depth.
Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows many small, golden-brown meatballs covered in a shiny, light brown sauce. The meatballs have a slightly crispy outside and look juicy inside, with some darker grilled spots. They are tightly packed together, filling the frame closely and resting on a white marbled surface. The sauce adds a glossy texture, making the meatballs look moist and flavorful. 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.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat depending on the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, flavorful pieces of chicken breast or thigh sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of smoky paprika and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish combines the perfect balance of savory spices and fresh herbs, making it an ideal appetizer or main course for any occasion.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Sauce

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

Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to infuse them with bold flavors.
Heat the Pan: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready for sautéing the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes to the butter sauce, mixing well to create a tangy, slightly spicy coating for the chicken.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken pieces to the pan if removed, toss to coat them thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce, cooking together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful cowboy butter sauce.
Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.

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