Description
These Butter Chicken Bites are all about flavor — juicy, golden chicken pieces coated in a luscious cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon, paprika, and fresh herbs. It’s rich, zesty, and on the table in just about 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you need something bold and satisfying fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick
Instructions
- Season the chicken.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This helps them sear beautifully and stay juicy.
- Sear to golden perfection.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (working in batches if needed) and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the buttery base.
- Lower the heat to medium. Drop in the butter and let it melt, then add the garlic. Stir and cook just until it smells amazing — about 30 seconds.
- Layer the flavor.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, and thyme. Let everything mingle for a few seconds so the sauce becomes fragrant and smooth.
- Bring it all together.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it around so every piece is coated in that golden, garlicky butter sauce. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
- Finish and serve.
- Garnish with a little extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately — these bites disappear fast!
Notes
- Want extra crunch? Toss the chicken in a light coating of cornstarch before searing. It adds a crisp edge that holds up beautifully against the sauce.
- Play with flavor. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of parmesan gives it a whole new personality.
- Adjust the heat. Tone it down or turn it up by tweaking the red pepper flakes and cayenne — you’re the boss here.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer