Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a rich, buttery, garlicky sauce with smoky paprika and fresh lemon juice. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe delivers satisfying taste with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch bite-sized pieces
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better browning. Season the pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding, cooking until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let the butter melt and start to brown slightly for deeper flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in fresh lemon juice and add chopped parsley, stirring to combine.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them thoroughly in the bubbling butter sauce. Ensure every piece is well coated and heated through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites compared to breasts.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure perfect browning.
- Always use fresh garlic for a vibrant and aromatic sauce.
- Finish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley for color and freshness.
- Allow butter to brown slightly to add a nutty depth to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (approximately)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken bites, garlic butter chicken, appetizer, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken bites