A quick and tasty chicken bite with butter and spice.
introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are small chicken pieces cooked in butter, lemon, and spices. They cook fast and taste rich. If you want a pasta version, try this Cowboy butter chicken linguine for a full meal.
why make this recipe
This recipe is easy and quick. It needs few ingredients you may already have. The butter and lemon make the chicken juicy and bright. It works for snacks, weeknight dinners, or parties.
how to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter.
- When the butter melts, add the minced garlic and stir. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- In a bowl, mix lemon zest, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss so each piece is coated.
- Add the coated chicken to the hot pan. Cook, stirring now and then, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges. For a cheesy side idea, see cheesy garlic butter chicken bowties.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Lemon, zest
- 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp Thyme, fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tsp Paprika, smoked
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
Directions :
- Preheat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix together the lemon zest, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with the mustard mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken bites with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy!
how to serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Serve warm with lemon wedges. They work with rice, pasta, or salad. You can also offer them with bread or a dipping sauce on the side.
how to store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Cool the chicken to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
tips to make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken into similar size pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end.
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor.
- If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of white wine to the pan for extra flavor.
- Swap thyme for rosemary if you prefer.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
- Add a spoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw it fully first. Pat it dry before coating and cooking.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten free. Check your mustard label to be sure.
Q: How do I know when chicken is done?
A: Cut a piece to check or use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the chicken ahead and reheat, but it is best served fresh for the best texture.
Conclusion
For another take on the dish and extra ideas, read this helpful guide to Cowboy Chicken Bites – I Am Homesteader. If you like a creamy dip with your bites, see this recipe for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites with Cajun Creamy Dipping Sauce.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and tasty chicken bites cooked in butter, lemon, and spices, perfect for snacks or dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Lemon, zest
- 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp Thyme, fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tsp Paprika, smoked
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- In a bowl, mix together the lemon zest, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with the mustard mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken bites with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy!
Notes
Cut chicken into similar size pieces for even cooking. Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken bites, cowboy butter, quick recipe, easy chicken recipe