Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Craving something that tastes like a campfire feast but comes together in under 20 minutes? These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are your answer. Juicy, golden-seared chicken cubes drenched in a buttery, herby, garlicky sauce with a kick of heat—they’re bold, addictive, and wildly satisfying.

Perfect as a party appetizer, weeknight dinner, or protein-packed snack, this dish takes minimal effort for maximum flavor. The cowboy butter does all the heavy lifting: think melted butter infused with garlic, Dijon, fresh herbs, lemon juice, chili flakes, and a pinch of cayenne. It clings to the chicken like it was made for it.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start sizzling, get your tools lined up. A large nonstick skillet is essential here to get a gorgeous sear on the chicken without sticking. A sharp chef’s knife is key for evenly cubed chicken pieces, which ensures quick and consistent cooking. A small mixing bowl and whisk will help emulsify the cowboy butter sauce to velvety perfection.

Don’t forget your tongs for flipping each bite without tearing the meat, and a microplane zester makes quick work of fresh garlic and lemon zest. Lastly, a silicone spatula is your friend for scraping up all that buttery goodness from the pan.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Breast or Thighs: The star of the dish. Go for boneless, skinless cuts so they cook quickly and absorb the buttery flavor.
Butter: The base of cowboy butter. Use unsalted to control seasoning.
Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic infuses the butter with rich, savory depth.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and helps emulsify the sauce.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings brightness to balance the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes & Cayenne Pepper: For that signature cowboy-style kick.
Fresh Parsley and Chives: Herbs freshen the sauce and add visual appeal.
Smoked Paprika: Rounds out the flavor with a smoky edge.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken bites just right.
Olive Oil: A light coating to sear the chicken before adding the cowboy butter.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Cube and Season the Chicken

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, searing each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter

In the same pan, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, plus a tablespoon of water. Whisk until everything blends into a fragrant sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the warm cowboy butter. Let them soak in the sauce for a minute or two before removing from heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and chives before serving. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are best served hot, straight from the skillet. They pair beautifully with crusty bread, roasted veggies, or skewered with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. For a fuller meal, serve them over mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or tossed in a salad.

If you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the buttery texture—avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken or separating the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

They have a gentle heat from red pepper flakes and cayenne, but you can scale up or down depending on your spice preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and hold up well to high-heat searing. Just trim excess fat before cubing.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein—perfect for a keto lifestyle.

Can I make cowboy butter ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it chilled. Reheat gently before tossing with cooked chicken.

What else can I use cowboy butter on?

It’s great on steak, shrimp, roasted veggies, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While it’s possible, the texture may change slightly. For best results, enjoy within a few days fresh.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

You might also like the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, a spicy-sweet option that delivers crunch and heat. Or dig into Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, which turns this flavor profile into a comforting pasta dinner.

Craving more skillet action? Try the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta, a saucy, hearty dish that keeps things easy. For a twist on chicken and rice, One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta brings BBQ flair into a family-friendly format. And if you like buttery heat, you can’t miss the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Explosion Chicken for finger-licking bites.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your dinner or appetizer boards for next time. Just hit the Pin button and keep it handy.

When you make it, come back and let me know how it went! Did you go for extra heat? Did you try it with steak or shrimp instead? I’m all ears—drop your tips and twists in the comments.

Looking for even more crave-worthy dinner recipes? Check out my collection on Pinterest: LadyPlate Pinterest Recipes

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, seared chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, buttery herb sauce. This skillet-ready recipe packs bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect as a weeknight dinner, game day appetizer, or protein-packed snack.

Instructions

1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized, evenly sized cubes.

2. Toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove to a plate once cooked.

4. Lower heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and water. Whisk until smooth.

5. Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the cowboy butter sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until well coated.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley and chives. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.