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