Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

ByElla Hart November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are flavorful, tender pieces of chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect as a tasty appetizer or served over rice or pasta for a satisfying main dish, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please your taste buds.

The image shows a white plate with eight golden brown, crispy pieces of fried food arranged in a loose circle. Each piece is sprinkled with white crumbled cheese and small green herb leaves, likely parsley, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. There are visible red chili flakes scattered across the food and plate, as well as small pools of golden oil giving a shiny texture. The pieces have a crunchy, textured surface with some dark spots indicating a crisp fry. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, and toss them so that they are fully coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
Step 8: Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
Step 9: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for garnish.
Step 10: Remove from heat. Serve immediately on a platter for a delightful appetizer or a main dish over rice or pasta.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer, swap chicken breast for thigh meat for juicier bites.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cowboy butter sauce.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor rather than bottled.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows eight golden-brown fried pieces arranged closely on a white plate, each piece covered with a slightly crispy texture and tiny crunchy bits. The dish is sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and white crumbly cheese, adding fresh and creamy touches. Scattered red chili flakes and a drizzle of yellow oil surround and coat the pieces, creating a glossy, flavorful look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients.

Can I prepare the sauce separately?

While it’s best when combined in the skillet for full flavor, you can prepare the cowboy butter sauce separately and toss with cooked chicken just before serving.