Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are quick, bold, and irresistibly buttery. Juicy chicken pieces are seared until golden, then tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, herbs, and a touch of heat. Everything comes together in one skillet in under 20 minutes, making this an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
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Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. -
Sear
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and reduce heat to low. -
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, herbs, salt, and pepper. -
Combine
Pour the cowboy butter sauce over the chicken and toss gently for 1–2 minutes until fully coated and glossy. - Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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Pat the chicken dry to achieve a better sear.
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Use thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for a leaner option.
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Keep heat low when adding butter to prevent separation.
- Double the sauce if serving with rice, potatoes, or bread.