These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a fun and tasty dish! With crispy chicken pieces tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, they’re simply hard to resist.
Get ready for some serious flavor! I love serving these bites at parties, and they always vanish quickly. Bonus: They’re easy to make, so you can enjoy them anytime! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also use chicken thighs for additional flavor and moisture. They work just as well!
Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish, but you could substitute it with olive oil or a plant-based butter to make it dairy-free. Just keep an eye on the heat, as they can behave a bit differently when cooking.
Spices: The blend of spices is key! If paprika isn’t on hand, smoked paprika gives a nice twist. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level or skip it if you’re not into spicy food.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds flavor and color, but if you don’t have it, cilantro or even green onions could work as a fantastic substitute. Use what you have on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Crispy Chicken Bites?
Making crispy chicken bites is all about how you cook them! Here are some tips to ensure your bites turn out perfectly golden and crispy:
- Make sure to cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking!
- When it’s time to cook, heat your skillet properly before adding the chicken. This prevents sticking and promotes a crispy exterior.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan! If you add too many pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Final tip: When coating with the buttery sauce, don’t overheat it. Just gently toss to coat for that perfect finish!
With these practices, you’ll get crispy, flavorful chicken bites that are sure to impress!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (for searing, e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes seasoning the chicken and then cooking it to crispy perfection. Easy meals don’t get better than this!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s all well blended.
2. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning. It should look nice and colorful!
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat up about a tablespoon of cooking oil on medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to make the chicken sizzle when it hits the pan!
4. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Once the oil is ready, carefully add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Melt the Butter:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl and melt your butter until it’s nice and warm.
6. Toss in the Butter:
When all the chicken bites are cooked, reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour the melted butter over the chicken in the skillet and gently toss it around to coat the bites evenly in that delicious buttery sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the coated chicken bites to a serving plate and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for that extra pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are fantastic warm! They make awesome appetizers or can be served with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. Dig in and enjoy every crispy, buttery, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add even more flavor and juiciness to your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Yes! If you like some heat, keep the cayenne pepper or even add more. You can experiment with hot sauce or a spicier chili powder for an extra kick too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken by seasoning it earlier in the day and refrigerating it until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before frying for best results!