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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 and juicy chicken bites coated in a rich cowboy butter sauce bursting with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and smoky spices. This quick chicken recipe is perfect as an easy dinner or a simple protein dish for a family dinner or any weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
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 each piece generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in portions until each side has a golden crust and the inside is cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes per side; remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter to the skillet; once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Mix in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme, stirring everything together thoroughly.
  5. Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, toss it thoroughly in the butter sauce, and let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
  6. Sprinkle additional parsley on top and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the bites.

Notes

  • For a crispier texture, lightly coat the chicken with cornstarch before frying. For a different flavor profile, try adding honey or sprinkle parmesan on top. Adjust the heat level by modifying the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your taste.