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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, perfectly seasoned pieces of chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish brings bold southern flavors, making it ideal as a snack, appetizer, or main meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken breasts or thighs into evenly sized bite pieces for uniform cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better browning when cooked.
  2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes over the chicken bites. Toss well to coat every piece evenly with the seasoning blend.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, freshly minced garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir frequently to combine the butter with garlic and spices left in the pan, creating a luscious sauce.
  5. Toss the Chicken in Butter Sauce: Return the cooked chicken bites to the pan, gently tossing them in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated and glistening with flavor.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites for color and a fragrant herbal note. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Choose thighs for more moisture and flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a golden sear on each piece.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the butter sauce; avoid pre-minced garlic.
  • Adjust chili flakes and smoked paprika to your preferred spice level.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, chicken bites, buttery chicken, southern chicken recipe, quick chicken appetizer, gluten free chicken, spicy chicken bites

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-bites/