Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a fun, tasty treat! These small bites are made with juicy chicken and a zesty, buttery sauce that’s full of flavor. Perfect for any gathering!
You can pop these in your mouth like candy, and who doesn’t love a good buttery sauce? I like to serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking—so good, you won’t want to stop! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. You can use turkey if you prefer, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Panko Bread Crumbs: These give a light and crispy texture. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs will do, though they might not be as crunchy. For gluten-free, opt for gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but pre-grated will also work. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
Spices: The garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth. Play around with herbs like Italian seasoning or even Cajun spices for a kick! Adjust chili flakes based on your heat preference.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Chicken Bites?
The key to crispy chicken bites lies in the coating and cooking method. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the chicken pieces are coated thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture; this helps form a nice crust.
- Heat your oil well before adding chicken. A hot skillet ensures they start to crisp up immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to keep the heat consistent.
- After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil—this helps keep them crispy!
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly crispy and delicious chicken bites every time. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
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
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cooking:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s well blended to ensure every bite has that delicious flavor!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the bite-sized pieces of chicken and toss them into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they get evenly coated in that tasty mix—this will give them a nice crispy texture when cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken bites in batches. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor!
6. Finish with Freshness:
Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and the juice of half a lemon to the skillet. This will give your chicken bites a bright, zesty flavor. Mix everything well to combine!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. You can garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or just enjoy them plain—they’re totally delicious on their own!
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit at your next event or dinner. Enjoy your flavorful, crispy snacks!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for this Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add even more flavor and juiciness to your bites. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and the cooking time will be about the same.
How Do I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make a lighter version, you can bake the chicken bites instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Chicken Bites?
Great question! You could serve them with ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha dip for some heat. Choose your favorite or try a combination!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, or use an air fryer for a crispy finish!
