Cowboy 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://annakocht.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-bites-recipe/
