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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are shown in a delicious featured image.
Lady Maria

Ultimate Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are succulent pieces of chicken drenched in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy Cowboy Butter sauce. They are quick and easy to make, perfect as an appetizer or a weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk
  • Cutting board
  • knife
  • Large skillet or baking sheet or air fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • spatula or tongs
  • meat thermometer
  • Parchment paper (optional for baking)
  • Air fryer (optional)
  • Oven (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. For Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, flipping halfway through.
  5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Cowboy Butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic!).
  7. Stir in the parsley, chives, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Add the cooked chicken bites to the saucepan with the Cowboy Butter sauce.
  11. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat it before tossing with the chicken. For spicier chicken bites, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce. Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave. Add a little extra Cowboy Butter sauce during reheating to maintain moisture.