Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy pieces of chicken cooked to perfection, all covered in a mouthwatering buttery sauce. With a hint of garlic and spices, they burst with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner bite. However, thighs are juicier and can give more flavor. You could also use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for coating the chicken. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Crackers/Breadcrumbs: Buttery crackers give an extra flavor boost. If you don’t have them, use plain breadcrumbs or panko. For a spicy kick, seasoned breadcrumbs work well!
Spices: The smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you can’t find it, regular paprika or even Cajun seasoning can be a fun substitution! Adjust the cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. You can use olive oil or vegan butter for a lighter option.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Even Cooking?
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken bites, spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet is key. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy. Also, flipping them halfway ensures they brown nicely on both sides.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Don’t crowd the chicken; space them out to allow hot air to circulate.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Enjoy your cooking and scrumptious Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Bites:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely crushed buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- For Cooking:
- Cooking oil spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional:
- Ranch or your choice of dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll be looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick enough to whip up for a snack or a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if you want a kick), salt, and black pepper. Stir this mixture well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated and shake off any excess flour.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Lay the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. To help them crisp up nicely, lightly spray or drizzle the tops with vegetable oil.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken bites halfway through for even browning. They’re done when they are golden brown and fully cooked through!
6. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
7. Add Flavor:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes, then take it off the heat and fold in the chopped parsley.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
When the chicken bites are finished cooking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm butter sauce over the chicken and give it a gentle toss to ensure every piece is coated.
9. Serve:
Put the buttery chicken bites back in the baking dish for serving. Feel free to sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh touch!
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites immediately, and don’t forget to have your favorite dipping sauce on the side like ranch or a spicy aioli! Enjoy every bite!
These bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or simply for a tasty treat at home!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Be sure to pat it dry for the best coating!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. For the coating, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of the regular ones.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just bake as instructed. This makes it easy to prepare for gatherings!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, making sure to do it slowly to keep them from drying out.