Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: Bold, Buttery, and Finger-Licking Good

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a bold, buttery, and utterly satisfying dish that will elevate any meal. When I first made these flavorful bites for my family, I was blown away by how quickly they disappeared! Perfectly seasoned and cooked in a decadent garlic butter sauce, they capture the essence of comfort food while maintaining a casual elegance. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a fun gathering with friends, or a cozy family brunch, these chicken bites are sure to leave everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).

Why make this recipe

The Secret to Why It Works

What truly sets Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites apart is their incredible flavor profile and the simplicity of preparation. With bold seasoning and a buttery sauce, this dish transforms plain chicken into a finger-licking adventure. The best part? It’s quick to whip up, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings when you still want something delicious.

“These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a game-changer! The combination of butter and spices makes them so flavorful and addictive. My kids and I devoured them in no time!” – Happy Home Cook

This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also budget-friendly. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough to serve to guests. If you’ve got a gathering or a family dinner coming up, this will definitely deserve a spot on your table.

How to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: Bold, Buttery, and Finger-Licking Good

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites is surprisingly easy. The process involves quick cooking techniques, ensuring that you lock in all the flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a quick overview to get you started:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning it well.
2. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: Create a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with spices.
4. Combine and Coat: Toss the chicken back into the sauce until it’s fully coated and heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with herbs and serve hot for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

To create these delectable Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, gather the following ingredients:

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• 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 (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra kick

Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Mix well.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.

How to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: Bold, Buttery, and Finger-Licking Good

Best Way to Serve

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can enhance your meal. Consider serving them with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• A fresh garden salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
• Crusty bread or garlic knots for the ultimate dipping experience.

How to store

Best Way to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: Bold, Buttery, and Finger-Licking Good

After enjoying your meal, you may have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them safely:

• Refrigerate: Place leftover chicken bites in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep them moist.
• Freezing: If you have lots left, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.

Remember always to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers.

Tips to make

Pro Chef Tips

To make sure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are the best they can be, consider these helpful hints:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this ensures a nice browning and prevents steaming.
• Adjust spices to your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, adding more cayenne pepper will do the trick!
• For an even richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer after the chicken is added, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Fresh herbs elevate the dish, but if you can only get dried ones, use about a third of the amount.

Variations

Creative Twists

Feel free to get adventurous by trying different variations of this recipe:

• Herb Variations: Swap out parsley and thyme for fresh cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini while cooking the chicken for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Twist: Replace the smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a smokier and spicier taste.
• Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream at the end to make the sauce extra rich and decadent.

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?
Preparation and cooking time together take about 30 minutes, making this dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will yield a juicier result.

3. What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon on hand, yellow mustard or a bit of honey mustard can be used as substitutes, although the flavor will slightly differ.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat on the stove and add fresh herbs just before serving for the best flavor.

Give these Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites a try, and I promise you’ll discover a new favorite recipe that’s both simple to make and absolutely delightful to eat!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Bold, buttery, and utterly satisfying bites of chicken cooked in a decadent garlic butter sauce, these Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra kick

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Mix well.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish with additional parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For added flavor, try substituting different herbs or adding vegetables like peppers or zucchini.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken bites, butter chicken, quick dinners, family meals