Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are fun, tasty little nuggets of goodness! They’re made with juicy chicken pieces coated in a zesty butter sauce, mixed with garlic and herbs. Yum!
These bites are perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. Honestly, who can resist that buttery flavor? I love serving them with toothpicks—great for a crowd and even better for myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for moist bites. If you’d like, chicken thighs can be juicier and are a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since they might take a few minutes longer.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a fantastic crunch! If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Gluten-free varieties are available if needed!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter for a different flavor.
Spices: The combination of paprika, garlic, and onion powder gives a great flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite spices, like cumin or add some cayenne for extra heat!
What’s the Best Way to Coat the Chicken for Crunchy Bites?
The coating method is key for that delightful crunch. Start by mixing the dry ingredients and then set up your three bowls for an efficient dredging process:
- Dip the chicken in the flour first for a basic coating. It helps the egg stick better.
- After the flour, move the chicken to the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Finally, coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure they adhere properly to each piece.
This three-step process ensures your bites are packed with flavor and crunch! Take your time with each layer, as this is where the magic happens. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 40 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until combined. This will be your dry mixture for coating the chicken.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station:
In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This is your dredging station where the fun happens!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg wash, and finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the breaded chicken bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
5. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, stirring constantly.
6. Toss in the Chicken:
Carefully return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet with the buttery garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in that yummy sauce.
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped chives or parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy these deliciously crispy and buttery chicken bites at your next gathering! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed first! Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for a few hours.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dipping sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a little stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though it may make them a bit softer.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many great options available that will work well!
