These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for a tasty snack or a fun appetizer! Chicken pieces are cooked until golden and tossed in a buttery, flavorful sauce with garlic and herbs.
Easy to make and simply delicious, I love serving these at parties. They disappear fast, so I usually set a few aside just for me! 😄 Whether you dip them or enjoy them on their own, they’re a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast is a great substitute!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice coating, but feel free to use gluten-free flour if that suits your needs. You could even try cornstarch for a crispier texture!
Spices: The blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a rich flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder will still add great taste, although it won’t have the same smokiness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control sodium. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works wonderfully for sautéing.
Bacon: Chopped cooked bacon adds a smoky crunch, but you can skip it if you’re vegetarian. Instead, try adding a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic that flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Chicken Bites?
Getting your chicken bites crispy is key to the perfect texture. Here are some handy tips:
- Make sure to coat the chicken with flour evenly. This helps form a crispy crust as they cook.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! It’s better to cook in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to fry properly.
- Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown finish. It may take patience, but it’s well worth it for that perfect crunch!
- Let them rest briefly after cooking. This lets the juices settle and helps keep them juicy inside!
Following these tips will help you create the most delicious and crispy Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites every time!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful coating for your chicken bites!
2. Coat the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. Make sure each piece is evenly covered, and shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
3. Heat the Pan:
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Carefully add the coated chicken bites to the hot pan in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
6. Combine Chicken with the Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken bites back to the skillet and toss them with the garlic butter mixture. If you’re using bacon and jalapeño slices, add those in now and give everything a good toss to mix.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy these flavorful, buttery, and slightly spicy chicken bites as the perfect appetizer or snack! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for the best results in this recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for a crispier coating. Both will work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven to keep them crispy, or microwave gently, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like heat, consider adding more jalapeño slices, a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating, or even a dash of hot sauce in the garlic butter. Adjust to your taste!
