Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Tender chicken pieces combined with a creamy, spicy butter sauce make these bites an irresistible appetizer or main dish, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used to help the chicken crisp up during baking.
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped Add more or less to taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Complementary herb for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for desired spice level.
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon Adds brightness to the sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- In another bowl, toss the chicken bites with olive oil until they are nicely coated.
- Add half of the cowboy butter mixture to the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Cooking
- Spread the chicken evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the pieces are not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and immediately toss it with the remaining cowboy butter to coat.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
For best results, use fresh herbs and consider marinating the chicken bites in the cowboy butter for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can customize the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper.