Go Back
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites in a cast iron skillet with garlic butter sauce.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Tender, juicy chicken bites tossed in a rich cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, paprika, and herbs. Bold, buttery, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

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 cloves garlic 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
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and thyme to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss until all pieces are fully coated in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For the best sear, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns rather than steams.
QR Code linking back to recipe