Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are here to revolutionize your dinner table with a burst of flavor that’s both robust and incredibly satisfying. These little bites pack a punch, combining succulent chicken with a rich and creamy cowboy butter sauce that is irresistibly good. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal, these bites will surely become a staple in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

There are countless reasons to adore Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Second, the combination of spices and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion that your taste buds will love. Third, they are versatile enough to be served as a main dish or as a finger food at parties. Fourth, these bites are gluten-free, accommodating various dietary preferences. Additionally, you can easily adjust the spice level, creating spicy cowboy chicken bites for those who enjoy a kick. Lastly, they can be paired with a variety of sides, making them a perfect addition to any meal. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that cowboy butter chicken bites have become a favorite!

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Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Gather these items:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup unsalted butter, divided (½ cup for infusing, ½ cup for finishing)
6-8 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tbsp)
2 large shallots, very finely minced (about ¼ cup)
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic alternative if preferred)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut 2 lbs chicken into 1-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder. Toss well to coat all pieces.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and shallots; sauté gently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent, without browning.
Step 3: Stir in chopped parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to bloom spices and deepen flavors.
Step 4: Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Season the cowboy butter with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.
Step 6: Flip chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces) directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken; let it melt, swirling to coat. Pour the prepared cowboy butter over the chicken. Toss everything together well to ensure all chicken bites are coated. Simmer gently for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
Step 8: Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the glorious sauce.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning for a better sear.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet to achieve that crispy chicken bite.
For a different flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter for chicken bites with spicy butter sauce.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be used but will not be as vibrant.
Let the chicken rest after cooking for optimal juiciness.

Best Ways to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

These delightful bites can be served in various ways:

As a main dish with mashed potatoes or rice.
In wraps or sandwiches for a delicious twist.
As an appetizer at parties; they make for a quick cowboy butter chicken appetizer.

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How to Store and Reheat Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

To store, place the chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain the flavor and texture. You can also use the microwave, but this may make the chicken less crispy. This makes them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

What’s the secret to perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

The key is in the seasoning and the cowboy butter sauce. Make sure to use fresh herbs and sauté the aromatics gently to enhance the flavor. Adjust the spice levels to create spicy cowboy chicken bites if you prefer a kick.

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook and combine them just before serving. This makes them ideal for gatherings or when meal prepping.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Don’t rush the searing process; let them develop a golden crust for the best flavor.

Variations of Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add different spices for a unique flavor profile, such as cumin or coriander.
Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier dish.
Try using turkey or pork for a different meat option while keeping it gluten-free.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category or learn how to make easy avocado toast for a quick meal. If you’re interested in appetizers, don’t miss our appetizer section for more ideas!

For more information on the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites: 7 Delicious Flavor Bombs

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are here to revolutionize your dinner table with a burst of flavor that’s both robust and incredibly satisfying.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup unsalted butter, divided (½ cup for infusing, ½ cup for finishing)
6–8 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tbsp)
2 large shallots, very finely minced (about ¼ cup)
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic alternative if preferred)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cut 2 lbs chicken into 1-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder. Toss well to coat all pieces.
In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and shallots; sauté gently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent, without browning.
Stir in chopped parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to bloom spices and deepen flavors.
Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Season the cowboy butter with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.
Flip chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces) directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken; let it melt, swirling to coat. Pour the prepared cowboy butter over the chicken. Toss everything together well to ensure all chicken bites are coated. Simmer gently for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the glorious sauce.