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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites feature tender, bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey. This dish serves as a versatile appetizer or a satisfying main course when served over rice or pasta, combining Southern comfort with modern bold flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until hot but not smoking.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Melt the Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
  5. Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
  6. Add Seasonings: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey until well combined to create the cowboy butter sauce.
  7. Coat Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing thoroughly so every piece is coated in the sauce.
  8. Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
  9. Add Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add freshness and color.
  10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately either as an appetizer or over rice or pasta as a main dish.

Notes

  • For best results, cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on preferred spice level.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Serve hot to enjoy the full flavor of the cowboy butter sauce.
  • Pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Chicken Bites, Garlic Butter Chicken, Easy Chicken Appetizer, Spicy Chicken Bites, Skillet Chicken