Dinner

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

ByLila Prescott November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful, quick dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty, buttery sauce with garlic and a hint of spice, making every bite irresistible.

The image shows a close-up of crispy, golden-brown fried pieces of cauliflower in a single layer, each piece coated with a shiny glaze that gives them a slightly wet look. The cauliflower pieces have different sizes and irregular shapes, with some showing a darker, caramelized crust on the edges. They are sitting in a shallow pool of rich, amber-colored sauce. The dish is in a white bowl, set on a white marbled textured surface. A metal spoon is partially visible on the right side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well in the cowboy butter sauce until completely coated. Let it simmer together for an additional minute to blend flavors.
Step 5: Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the butter sauce for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps maintain moisture.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden bowl filled with many small, golden-brown cooked chicken bites, each coated in a shiny glaze with specks of seasoning and green herbs sprinkled on top. One chicken bite is pierced by a silver fork, revealing a white, tender inside with a slightly crispy outer layer. The chicken bites have a textured surface with some areas darker from cooking. The background is softly blurred with warm lighting highlighting the juicy and flavorful look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking from frozen may lead to unevenly cooked pieces.

Can I prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the butter sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.