Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a delicious and fun dish that everyone will love. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of buttery garlic goodness and a hint of spice makes these chicken bites perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Plus, they are finger-licking good, making them a hit for both kids and adults!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
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
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.
Lower the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it until it is fully coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are best served warm with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. You can pair them with a fresh salad, some crunchy vegetables, or even rice for a fuller meal. They also work great as appetizers at parties or when hosting guests.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear.
Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.

Variation

If you want to change it up, consider adding some vegetables to the skillet when cooking the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini all work well and add more color and flavor to the dish!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen will not yield the best results.

2. What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?
These bites go well with rice, salad, or crusty bread. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

3. How spicy are these chicken bites?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of these spices to suit your taste preferences.