Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are crispy, tender pieces of chicken packed with flavor. They’re coated in a tasty butter sauce that combines garlic, herbs, and spices—a delicious treat!
These bites are perfect for parties or a fun family dinner! I love serving them with some ranch dip on the side. It just makes every bite even better. Don’t forget to grab extras; they go fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for these bites. I love thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well. If you want a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or chickpeas, coated the same way.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to the crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a different texture. I sometimes mix in a bit of grated Parmesan for extra flavor if I have it on hand.
Spices: The blend here brings great flavor. If you don’t have all of them, feel free to use any favorites like Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for some extra heat!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used, but you could substitute with olive oil for a healthier option. However, the butter really enhances the flavor, so I recommend it if you can!
How Do I Keep the Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
Keeping your chicken bites crispy is all about the coating and cooking method. Here are my tips:
- Ensure the chicken is dry before coating; moisture can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
- Preheat your oven fully. A hot oven helps the coating crisp up quickly.
- Use a wire rack if you can. Placing the chicken on a rack helps air circulate around, preventing sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space out the chicken bites for even cooking and crispiness.
Remember, these bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that crunch!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken bites will cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, giving it that delicious crunchy coating.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. Then, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Place the coated chicken pieces on the lined baking sheet or in the greased dish.
5. Bake the Chicken Bites:
Put the chicken bites in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. If using a baking sheet, flip the bites halfway through cooking for even crispiness!
6. Make the Butter Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
7. Add Lemon and Seasoning:
Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. For a little kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds extra flavor and warmth to the sauce!
8. Combine and Serve:
When the chicken bites are ready, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Don’t be shy—sauce them generously!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. These bites are fantastic with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless to keep the cooking time consistent.
Can I Prepare These Chicken Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can coat the chicken and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness.
What Alternatives Can I Use for the Butter Sauce?
If you want a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. Also, feel free to add some fresh herbs or a splash of hot sauce to customize the flavor of your sauce to your taste!
