Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are small, tasty pieces of chicken that are coated in a flavorful butter sauce. This dish is packed with fun flavors like garlic, herbs, and a little bit of spice!
I love making these bites for game days or casual get-togethers. They’re perfect for sharing, and trust me, you’ll want to keep grabbing more! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here – they stay juicy and tender. You can swap them for chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend or even almond flour, though this will change the texture slightly.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth to the bites. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you could miss out on the smokey flavor. Don’t hesitate to switch up spices based on what you like!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. You can use olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free option, but butter provides that unique indulgent taste.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is lovely for garnishing. If you don’t have it, try cilantro or even dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Fresh herbs lift the dish, but dried will also work in a pinch.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Bites From Getting Greasy?
To avoid greasy chicken bites, here are some handy tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. This allows the chicken to get crispy without too much moisture collecting.
- Use medium-high heat to help the coating brown nicely. If it’s too low, the chicken will cook through but won’t crisp up.
- After cooking, let the chicken bites rest on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil before serving. This keeps them crispy and not soggy!
By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly crisp and delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional:
- Ranch or a creamy herb dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious platter of Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful coating will give the chicken a tasty crunch!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then shake off any extra flour. This helps them get that nice crispy texture when cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Make the Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, oregano, and thyme. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them well in the buttery herb sauce. Make sure all the pieces are coated nicely!
6. Finish with Lemon:
Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken bites, giving them a fresh and zesty touch. Toss again to mix everything evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the chicken bites and all the buttery sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve these warm with ranch or your favorite creamy dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy these savory, buttery, and slightly spicy Chicken Bites that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer for any gathering!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add a richer flavor and stay juicy, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Bites?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the microwave. A splash of butter can help bring back some of that original flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Garlic Powder?
If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh garlic instead by doubling or tripling the amount (1-2 cloves). Just remember to keep an eye on the pan while cooking, as fresh garlic can burn more quickly!
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Spicier?
Definitely! To kick up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!