Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice. This recipe delivers bold flavors without any fuss.
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, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Try swapping chicken thighs for breasts for juicier bites.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store any 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 avoid drying out the chicken. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.
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 fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cowboy butter sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce flavorful.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe brings bold, rustic flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 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
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cowboy Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley. Cook the sauce for about 1 minute until fragrant and well combined, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss in the cowboy butter sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 1 minute so the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and serve the cowboy butter chicken bites immediately while hot, making a delicious appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful bites compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing to allow chicken pieces to brown properly and avoid steaming.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop to prevent the butter from separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, garlic butter chicken, seared chicken bites, smoked paprika chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dish
