Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a delectable fusion of tender chicken, smoked spices, and a luscious, buttery sauce that will have you riding off into the sunset with every mouthful.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Start by tossing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, creating the signature “cowboy butter” sauce.
4. Return the seared chicken to the pan with the cowboy butter sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites and serve hot, ready to be devoured by your hungry cowboys (and cowgirls).
Notes
Choosing the Right Chicken: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you can use whichever cut you prefer. Chicken thighs tend to be a bit more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are a leaner option.
Adjusting Spice Levels: The amount of red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter sauce can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. Start with 1/2 tsp and add more if you want an extra kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites make a fantastic appetizer, but they can also be enjoyed as a main dish. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 90