Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Tender chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection and coated in a rich, zesty butter sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe brings together bold flavors with simple ingredients.
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 in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 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 the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Mix until the sauce is well combined.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve the chicken bites hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add the optional ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper when mixing the sauce.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
Storage
Store leftover Cowboy Butter 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 to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
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 fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and to achieve the right texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before starting the recipe.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but it’s not overpowering. You can adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of boneless chicken breasts sautéed to a golden brown and coated in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. With a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and optional cayenne, this skillet-cooked dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 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, fresh thyme, and if desired, cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors into a smooth sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat evenly with the butter sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus brightness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize the bright citrus flavors in the sauce.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- This recipe can be made with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Serve with fresh crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to get a nice sear and brown crust.
Keywords: chicken bites, cowboy butter sauce, garlic chicken, skillet chicken, spicy chicken, quick dinner
