Description
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a deliciously crispy and flavorful appetizer featuring tender chicken pieces breaded and baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a zesty, buttery sauce with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty snack, they combine a delightful crunch with rich, savory cowboy butter for a finger-licking treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate dishes: one filled with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs for breading the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then coat in the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to ensure a firm coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make Cowboy Butter: While the chicken is baking, mix together the melted butter, finely chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once baked, immediately transfer the chicken bites to the bowl with the cowboy butter and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chicken bites hot, accompanied by extra cowboy butter sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, swap regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
- Leftover cowboy butter makes a great dipping sauce or spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
