Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, boneless chicken breast pieces cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon, smoked paprika, and herbs. This skillet-cooked dish is perfect as a savory appetizer or main course, delivering a delightful combination of zesty, smoky, and buttery flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 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
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme. Mix well to create a harmonious butter sauce. Optionally, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce and Simmer: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken bites hot with lemon wedges on the side for an added fresh citrus burst.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Cooking chicken in batches avoids overcrowding, ensuring a perfect golden crust.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites, Garlic Butter Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Spicy Chicken Bites, Easy Chicken Recipe
