Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a zesty garlic butter sauce with smoky paprika, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of spice. This skillet recipe takes just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal-prep favorite.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Toss chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
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Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and simmer 1 minute.
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Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving for extra brightness.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, bread, or in wraps for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American