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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with tender chicken and fresh herbs, every bite is full of flavor.
2. Ease of Preparation: Quick and simple steps mean you can whip this up in no time.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a guilt-free treat that feels indulgent!
4. Versatility: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or a party snack; Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites fit any occasion.
5. Presentation: This dish looks fantastic, garnished with fresh herbs and served with lemon wedges, impressing everyone at the table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

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

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

   

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Arrange the chicken bites on a platter with a sprinkle of herbs for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with fresh veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal.
3. Portions: Serve as bite-sized appetizers at a party or as a main dish with sides.
4. Beverage Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine or lemonade perfectly complements the buttery flavor.

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness.
• Customize with your choice of herbs or spices to match your taste.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious buttery sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Variation: Add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a fiery kick.
2. Herb Variation: Swap thyme for rosemary or basil for different flavor profiles.
3. Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to create a richer sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Serving platter

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
   It’s a good source of protein and uses wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier option.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, cook it in advance and reheat it before serving for added convenience.

4. Can I customize the flavors?
   Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices or herbs to suit your palate.

5. What other cooking methods can I use?
   You can bake the chicken bites or even grill them for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites combine bold flavors with a buttery finish, making them an irresistible treat. This dish shines at get-togethers or cozy dinners, appealing to all ages. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Tender chicken bites cooked in a buttery sauce with fresh herbs, perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 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 cloves garlic, 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
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Optional for added spice

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then stir in garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Return chicken to skillet and toss until fully coated. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

Enhance flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness. Customize with your choice of herbs or spices to match your taste. Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious buttery sauce.