Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a fun and tasty little treat that’s full of bold flavors. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a fun and tasty little treat that’s full of bold flavors. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right touch of herbs and spices that give them a rich, comforting taste. They’re crispy on the outside but tender and juicy inside, making them perfect as a snack or a main dish.
I love making these because they come together quickly and always get everyone’s attention at the table. The buttery sauce adds a delicious coating that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up. I like to toss the chicken in the sauce while it’s hot so every little bite is packed with flavor. Plus, they’re great for sharing – perfect for casual dinners or parties where everyone can grab a few and keep the conversation going.
My favorite way to enjoy these Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites is with some warm bread or even over a bed of rice, so I can soak up every last bit of that buttery sauce. They remind me of those cozy family meals where comfort food is the star and everyone’s smiling around the table. Whenever I make these, I find it hard to stop eating until the plate is empty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes and adds tang. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5-10 mins.
Coating: The combo of flour and cornmeal or panko gives a great crunch. If cornmeal is missing, plain panko breadcrumbs alone work fine.
Spices: Smoked paprika and chili powder bring a nice smoky kick. Feel free to adjust spice levels to your taste.
Cowboy Butter Sauce: Butter and garlic are the heart here. Fresh herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning add an earthy flavor, and parsley brightens it up.
How Do You Get the Crispiest Chicken Bites Without Them Getting Greasy?
To keep your chicken bites crispy but not greasy, controlling the oil temperature is key. Here’s what I do:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if possible for accuracy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches so temperature stays consistent.
- After frying, drain chicken on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Press the coating on the chicken firmly before frying for an even crust.
Following these steps helps get that golden, crunchy outside and juicy inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – perfect for shallow frying and keeping chicken crispy.
- Cooking thermometer – helps you keep the oil at the right temperature for crispiness.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these for marinating the chicken and mixing the coating.
- Wire rack – great for draining fried chicken so it stays crunchy.
- Tongs – for safely flipping and handling hot chicken pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder in the coating for extra heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the butter sauce for a different herbal note.
- Swap BBQ sauce for honey mustard or ranch dressing to vary the dipping sauce flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil) for frying
For The Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For The Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce or a spicy chili sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: a drizzle of honey mustard or a tangy mustard sauce
Extras:
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes in total: 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, 10-15 minutes for frying, and a few minutes to prepare the sauces and toss everything. It’s a quick and tasty dish you can enjoy any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken bites in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps to make the chicken tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal or panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix will give your chicken a delicious, crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting any extra drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and spice mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Set them aside on a wire rack so they’re ready to fry.
4. Fry the Chicken Bites:
Heat about an inch of cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. When done, place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
5. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the oregano and fresh parsley, then remove from heat.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
While the chicken is still warm, toss the pieces gently in the garlic butter sauce, coating them evenly.
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Mix the BBQ or chili sauce with the melted butter, and add a drizzle of honey mustard or tangy mustard if you like. Stir well and set aside for dipping.
8. Serve:
Put the chicken bites on a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add lemon wedges on the side. Serve with the tasty dipping sauce and enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture for better coating and crispiness.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy, or gently warm in a skillet with a bit of butter.
Can I Customize the Dipping Sauce?
Definitely! You can swap the BBQ sauce for ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli depending on your preference. Feel free to add a little hot sauce or smoked paprika for a kick.
