Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are juicy pieces of chicken cooked to perfection in a buttery, flavorful sauce. It’s a little spicy, a little tangy, and oh-so-delicious!
You’re going to want to grab some extra napkins because things might get messy—so be ready! 😄 I love serving these bites with some crunchy veggies or warm bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast can be a good substitute. Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker alternative; just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for that rich, buttery flavor. If you want a healthier option, you can replace half of it with olive oil or use a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika works too, though it will be milder. For a kick, you could substitute cayenne with more chili powder or hot sauce. Personal preference might lead me to add a bit more cumin for extra depth!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. Lemon juice makes a nice substitute in a pinch, but it has a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Evenly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken bites depends largely on two steps: cutting and spacing. Make sure your chicken is cut into similar-sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Also, when spreading them in the baking dish, don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between them for proper heat circulation.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) for the right cooking environment.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer for crispiness all around.
- Flip them halfway through baking for even browning.
By following these tips, you’ll get juicy, tender chicken bites that are loaded with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Ranch dressing or dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20-25 minutes to bake, bringing your total time to about 35-40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough for entertaining guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This will ensure that your chicken bites cook evenly and get that nice golden color. While it’s warming up, you can get everything else ready!
2. Mix the Spices:
In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. This spice mix is what will give your chicken its fantastic flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl with the spices. Then, drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over the chicken. Toss everything together well until each piece of chicken is evenly coated in the spice mix. This step is crucial for maximum flavor!
4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Spread the chicken bites out evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re in a single layer. This helps them cook perfectly and get crispy!
5. Bake:
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. You want the chicken to be cooked through and beautifully browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Add Lime Juice:
Once baked, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Immediately squeeze lime juice over all the chicken bites and toss gently to let that fresh flavor soak in. Yum!
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and added flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce on the side, along with some lime wedges for extra zing. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they are juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for easy bite-sized pieces.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix. Another option is to include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken before baking. Adjust according to your personal heat preference!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the spice mix and melted butter for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature or microwave them until warmed through. Enjoy them as a snack or in a salad!
