If you’re craving bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are exactly what you need. These juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces are pan-seared and tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce with fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, lemon, and a touch of heat. They’re quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners, protein-packed snacks, or shareable appetizers.
Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe checks all the boxes for busy cooks and flavor lovers alike.
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- Bold flavor: Buttery, garlicky, tangy, and lightly spicy
- Versatile: Serve as dinner, appetizer, or meal-prep protein
- Family-friendly: Adjustable heat level for all ages
- Minimal cleanup: Made in one skillet
Whether you’re planning a fast dinner or need an exciting way to cook chicken, these bites never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and chives, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the cowboy butter sauce. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.
Tips & Variations
- Mild version: Skip or reduce red pepper flakes for kid-friendly bites
- Extra crispy: Use chicken thighs for juicier, crispier edges
- Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter
- Meal prep: Store cooked chicken separately and reheat gently
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika at the end for depth
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice. They’re also delicious tucked into wraps, piled on salads, or served with roasted veggies.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out
Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sizzle your way to flavor heaven with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites! Juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces are pan-seared to perfection, then coated in a bold cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, lemon, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1/4 to 1 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry, cut into bite-size pieces, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
4. Transfer chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
7. Add parsley and chives. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon, or heat.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
9. Serve immediately as an appetizer, over rice, in wraps, or with roasted veggies.
Notes
Heat level: Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for mild, or go up to 1 1/4 tsp for a bolder kick.
Chicken choice: Thighs stay extra juicy; breasts are leaner—avoid overcooking.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1 tsp dried parsley + 1/2 tsp dried chives (flavor will be milder).
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small pat of butter or a splash of water.
Serving ideas: Great with rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, salad, or tucked into a warm tortilla.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Skillet / Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~3g |
| Fat | ~31g |
| Fiber | ~0.5g |
| Sodium | ~520mg |
Final Thoughts
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping protein for the week, this skillet recipe delivers buttery, bold comfort every single time.