Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: Bold, Buttery, and Finger-Licking Good Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 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; Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Lemon wedges, for serving; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a bold and buttery dish that’s bursting with flavor. These tender chicken pieces are coated in a smoky, garlicky sauce with a hint of spice, making them perfect for finger-licking good dinners or casual gatherings.

The image shows a close-up of golden brown chicken pieces cooked with a glossy glaze on top, sitting in a shallow pool of light brown sauce in a pan. Each piece of chicken is plump and tender with a slightly crispy and caramelized surface, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs for color contrast. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, filling the pan evenly, with the sauce reflecting light to add a shiny, juicy texture to the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, allowing each piece to brown well on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme. Mix well until the sauce is fully combined.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the buttery sauce. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish with additional parsley if you like, and serve the chicken bites hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful bites.
Serve with grilled vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and to prevent the butter sauce from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with many small, golden-brown grilled chicken pieces, each with a shiny glaze that looks sticky and slightly caramelized. The chicken pieces have small charred spots, adding a textured look, and are sprinkled with fresh, chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. The chicken pieces are piled high in the center of the plate, creating a rich and hearty mound that looks warm and juicy. The background is a white marbled texture, making the colors of the chicken stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and optimal texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the red pepper flakes and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of spices to suit your heat preference.