Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a delightful combination of flavor and texture. These bite-sized pieces are golden brown, buttery, and packed with bold flavors that make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a meal, they are easy to prepare and will leave everyone coming back for more. The balance of garlic, lemon, and spices creates a truly irresistible taste that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then stir in garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Serve these delightful bites hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side. They are perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a side salad for a refreshing meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning; this helps achieve a nice golden brown color.
- Adjust the heat to your preference; if you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist on the flavor.
Variation
You can try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option. Both will absorb the buttery sauce well and provide a delicious alternative.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you must use frozen, make sure to fully thaw it first.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the chicken just before serving for the best results.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
A: You can use less butter or substitute with olive oil. You may also serve it with steamed vegetables instead of high-calorie sides.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, 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
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust based on spice preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then stir in garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.