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
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until hot but not smoking.
- 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.
- Melt the Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
- 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.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing thoroughly so every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add freshness and color.
- 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
