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COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN BITES centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Easy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich and zesty cowboy butter sauce, perfect for an easy dinner or quick weeknight meal. This family favorite combines bold flavors like garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika to create simple chicken bites that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method
 

  1. Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in portions, cooking until cooked through and golden, about 3 to 4 minutes each side; set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Mix in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme, stirring well.
  5. Put the chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce, and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle extra parsley on top and serve immediately alongside lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a crispier texture, coat the chicken with cornstarch before cooking. You can enhance flavor by adding honey or parmesan. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.