Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, juicy chicken pieces coated in a zesty, buttery garlic sauce packed with herbs and a hint of heat. These golden bites are pan-seared to perfection, making them the kind of snack or dinner treat that disappears before you can say “pass the sauce.”

Perfect for game day, a casual family dinner, or even a quick party appetizer, these chicken bites come together in no time with big bold flavor. The cowboy butter sauce—a blend of garlic, lemon, Dijon, and spices—elevates every bite with buttery richness and tangy brightness. Pair them with toothpicks or serve them over rice or salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Bold & buttery flavor: That cowboy butter packs a punch of garlic, herbs, lemon, and a kick of chili.
Quick cooking: These chicken bites come together in just about 30 minutes.
Perfect texture: Crispy outside, juicy inside.
Versatile: Serve them as a main dish or pass them around as appetizers.
Meal-prep friendly: Make a big batch and reheat for easy weeknight meals.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb flavor well. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer more tenderness and richness—just make sure they’re trimmed of excess fat and cut to uniform size.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

To make these flavorful bites, you’ll want fresh ingredients that bring the buttery sauce to life and keep the chicken tender.

Chicken breasts: Cut into chunks, these are the protein base and hold the cowboy butter beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before it hits the pan.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for that golden crust.
Butter: The heart of cowboy butter—rich, melty, and flavor-packed.
Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic punch.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth to the butter sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a zesty twist.
Red pepper flakes: For that perfect gentle heat.
Smoked paprika: Lends a warm, smoky note.
Fresh parsley & thyme: Chopped herbs give a fresh, earthy flavor.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a minute or two until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Chicken & Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss well to coat each bite in the flavorful cowboy butter. Sprinkle chopped parsley and thyme on top.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are best served hot and fresh from the skillet, but they also make great leftovers. The recipe yields about 4 servings as a main dish or 6-8 servings as appetizers.

Storage tips:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.