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Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites – Bold, Buttery and Finger-Licking Good!

Cowboy butter chicken bites in skillet with fresh herbs and melted butter glaze
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Bold, buttery chicken bites with rich herb-infused glaze. Quick and easy high-protein recipe ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until foaming, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Transfer cooked batches to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and return all chicken to pan. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika, and fresh herbs. Stir constantly for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  6. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter creates a light, glossy glaze that coats the chicken.
  8. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Cook in batches for best browning and texture. Keep cooked batches warm under foil.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor. Substitute with 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh (2 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary).
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes creates significant heat. Start with 1 teaspoon for mild heat or omit entirely for no spice.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for extra richness and moisture.
  • Use a 12-inch skillet for best results when cooking 2 pounds of chicken.
  • Serving sizes: As appetizer serves 8-10, as main dish serves 4.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/delicious-cowboy-butter-chicken-bites/