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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Quick, flavorful, and indulgent: Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe with tender chicken, garlic, smoked paprika, and a buttery, herby finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Small bowl for butter mixture

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken thighs – 1.5 pounds boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter – ½ cup 1 stick, softened
  • Garlic – 4 cloves minced
  • Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons chopped
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon optional, for a little heat

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken

  • Season the chicken bites generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly. This step is key for that smoky, savory foundation.

Make the Cowboy Butter

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside at room temperature so it’s ready to melt.

Heat the Pan

  • Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot. You want it sizzling for the perfect sear. No butter in the pan yet — we’ll use the Cowboy Butter to finish the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

  • Add the chicken bites to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes to get a golden-brown crust. Then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Add Cowboy Butter

  • Reduce heat to medium. Drop the prepared Cowboy Butter into the pan with the chicken. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the chicken gently, coating each piece in that rich, garlicky, herby sauce. It should melt beautifully over the chicken, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

Finish and Serve

  • Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the chicken is bubbling in the buttery sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of buttery goodness.
Keyword Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe