Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

BySarah Summers November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and tender appetizer or main dish that combines juicy chicken pieces with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that will satisfy any craving.

A white plate holds eight golden-brown, crispy, bite-sized fried pieces arranged in a loose circle, each coated with a crunchy textured crust that is speckled with black pepper and red chili flakes. They are topped with small pieces of white crumbly cheese and scattered green herb leaves, possibly parsley, for a pop of color. The pieces sit in a shallow pool of yellow olive oil with droplets reflecting light, adding a glossy sheen. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt completely.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6: Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the cowboy butter sauce.
Step 8: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated.
Step 9: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
Step 10: Remove from heat and serve immediately as an appetizer or main dish over rice or pasta.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier bite and richer taste.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the butter sauce for a more complex flavor.

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 to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

A white plate holds eight golden-brown fried nuggets arranged in a close cluster. Each nugget has a crispy, crunchy texture with a slightly uneven surface, coated with small bits of seasoning and herbs. They are topped with small white crumbles, likely cheese, and sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley leaves and red chili flakes. A light drizzle of oil or sauce pools around the nuggets, creating a shiny, slightly wet look on the surface of the plate. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Using frozen chicken may cause uneven cooking and excess moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken bites hold up well and can be stored refrigerated. Keep the sauce and chicken together so the flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving.