Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Easy, bold, and quick, these Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for weeknights or as a snack, featuring tender chicken coated in a buttery garlic sauce with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Butter Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt butter and cook garlic until golden but not brown. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken in batches until golden and crispy on edges.
- Return all chicken to the skillet and pour in cowboy butter. Toss to coat and let sizzle for 1 minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For a creamy pasta twist, consider mixing the bites with creamy linguine. Cool the chicken to room temperature, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the butter sauce from separating. Adjust lemon and salt to taste before serving.