Description

This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites recipe features tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces cooked to golden perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey. Perfect as a savory appetizer or served as a main dish over rice or pasta, these chicken bites bring a deliciously bold Southern-inspired flavor to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cowboy Butter Sauce

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 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Melt Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt completely, incorporating any leftover browned bits.
Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Add Flavorings: Mix in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey. Stir well to create the cowboy butter sauce.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly so they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Heat Through: Cook the coated chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and let the flavors meld.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside rice or pasta as a main dish.

Notes

For best results, cook the chicken in batches without overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning.
If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or omit them.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, chicken bites, appetizer, skillet chicken, garlic butter chicken, Southern recipe, quick chicken dinner