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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Hey y'all! Ready to bring some Western flavor to your table? Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a super-tasty, zesty, and buttery twist on classic chicken bites that are totally crave-worthy. Served as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a fun family dinner, these juicy bites are irresistible, bursting with garlicky, herby, lemon-kissed goodness and a bold kick of cowboy butter. Trust me—your guests won't leave a single bite behind. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

  • Bold, garlicky, and buttery flavors coat every juicy bite of chicken.
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes—quick and easy for busy nights.
  • Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family meal, as an appetizer or main dish.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and just the right amount of heat.
  • Keto- and low-carb-friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for all diets.

Ingredients for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Zest and juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Make Cowboy Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add butter.
  2. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant (don't let it burn!).
  3. Stir in parsley, chives, dill, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to meld flavors.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  1. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the luscious cowboy butter sauce.
  2. Warm for another 1-2 minutes on low, just until heated through.
  3. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Notes for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • See the USDA guidelines on safely handling and cooking chicken for the juiciest, safest bites: USDA Food Safety.
  • Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes to your family's spice preference.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Variations

  • Spicy Steak Bites: Swap chicken for sirloin steak cubes for a beefy alternative.
  • Garlic Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for a buttery seafood twist—reduce cooking time to 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Crispy Oven-Baked: Bake chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, then toss with cowboy butter sauce.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Foil or plate for resting chicken

Storage Instructions for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for best texture.
  • Not recommended for freezing, as the butter sauce may separate.

Serving & Pairings for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • Serve with crusty bread to mop up extra cowboy butter or over fluffy rice for a filling meal.
  • Pair with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or baked potatoes for a hearty spread.
  • Try alongside a ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for extra zing; explore more dip ideas at Serious Eats.

Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  • Use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly juicy, never-overcooked chicken bites (learn more).
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for golden-brown sear and better texture.
  • For richer flavor, use a mix of fresh herbs; dried herbs can be substituted, but use less as they’re more potent.

FAQ for Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and just as delicious in this recipe—cook time may be 1-2 minutes longer.
  2. How can I make these ahead?
    You can prep the cowboy butter sauce and cut the chicken up to 1 day in advance; cook fresh just before serving for best results.
  3. Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites keto-friendly?
    Yes! With no breading and low carbs, these bites are perfect for low-carb and keto diets.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

★★★★★ 4.70 from 91 ratings

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 15 mins
total: 30 mins
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken seared to perfection and tossed in a zesty, herbed butter sauce inspired by classic cowboy butter flavors. Perfect for appetizers or a fun dinner idea.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1
    Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken bites and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4
    Stir in chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring well to combine flavors.
  5. 5
    Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in cowboy butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  6. 6
    Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390cal
Protein: 39 gg
Fat: 24 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 3 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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