Description

Sizzle your way to flavor heaven with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites! These juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces are pan-seared to perfection, then coated in a bold, buttery sauce made with garlic, mustard, fresh herbs, lemon, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, crowd-pleasing appetizers, or meal prep. If you’re craving bold food ideas with minimal effort, this easy recipe fits the bill. Whether you’re looking for healthy snacks, quick protein-packed bites, or exciting dinner ideas, these chicken bites deliver on flavor, texture, and convenience.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped

1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme

1 tbsp fresh chives chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Extra chopped herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, parsley, thyme, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the cowboy butter sauce. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.

7. Remove from heat, garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Coat chicken lightly in cornstarch for extra crispiness if desired.

Let chicken sit in sauce for 1–2 minutes to soak up the flavor.

Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts work too with care.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of total dish
Calories: 360
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, chicken bites, easy dinner, spicy chicken, buttery chicken recipe