Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that packs a punch of garlicky, buttery goodness. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich spice blend and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Toss until fully coated with the butter and spice mixture.
4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken bites to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them out evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are golden brown.
6. Step 6: Let the chicken bites cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken bites for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
• Add chopped fresh cilantro or chives as a garnish for a fresh finish.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through, which helps maintain their crisp edges.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?

They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue, and side dishes such as roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a flavorful blend of melted butter, garlic, paprika, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack is packed with bold, smoky flavors and just a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, perfect for casual gatherings or a tasty protein-packed treat.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all the seasonings for maximum flavor.
3. Cut Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
4. Coat Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the butter mixture. Toss well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful butter sauce.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated chicken bites to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them out in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken bites cool slightly before serving to lock in the flavors and prevent burning your mouth.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken bites for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• You can substitute dried parsley with fresh parsley if preferred; add fresh parsley after baking for a burst of freshness.
• Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
• Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Chicken bites, cowboy butter chicken, baked chicken appetizer, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, game day snacks