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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Heat the Pan: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready for sautéing the chicken.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-bites-recipe/