Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Tender chicken pieces are pan-seared and coated in a rich, zesty butter sauce with a hint of spice. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.

A white plate piled with many small, golden brown chicken bites that are glazed with a shiny sauce, showing areas of dark crispy edges and black pepper specks. The chicken pieces have a caramelized texture with a mix of smooth and slightly rough surfaces, and they are sprinkled with fresh green parsley bits on top, adding a bright color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. 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 dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme, mixing well to combine all flavors.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the butter sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce along with the red pepper flakes.
If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.

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 preserve moisture, or microwave briefly. Avoid overheating to keep the butter sauce from separating.

How to Serve

A close-up photo of a white plate piled high with small, golden-brown chicken bites that have a shiny, glazed texture. Each piece is well-coated with a sticky sauce that glistens under the light, showing some charred, darker spots of caramelization. Green herb flakes are sprinkled unevenly over the chicken, adding a fresh accent to the warm orange and brown colors. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean, bright background that makes the chicken stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure to check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.