Description
If you’re craving a buttery, zesty, and bold-flavored dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are calling your name. These crispy golden bites are drenched in a garlicky cowboy butter sauce infused with Dijon, lemon, herbs, and a gentle chili kick. Whether you’re planning quick dinners, hearty appetizers, or meal-prep magic, this easy recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. Delicious, juicy, and full of rich seasoning, it’s one of the best easy dinner ideas for chicken lovers. Ideal for those seeking easy recipes, healthy food ideas, or high-protein snacks with big flavor payoff.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the cowboy butter sauce.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme. Serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken for a golden sear.
Add more lemon juice at the end if you want a brighter, tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg