Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful blend of butter, garlic, and herbs that make every bite super tasty. They’re a perfect mix of rich and zesty, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. These little bites are great for when you want something quick but full of that homemade goodness.
I love making these chicken bites when I want an easy appetizer or a simple main dish that everyone will enjoy. The butter sauce is the real star—it soaks into the chicken and makes it extra moist and delicious. Sometimes, I make a double batch because they tend to disappear fast when friends come over!
One of my favorite ways to serve these is with a side of fresh veggies or on top of warm rice for a cozy dinner. They’re also great with some crusty bread to soak up all the buttery sauce. If you’re like me, you’ll want to lick the plate clean every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken
- Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner. I prefer thighs for extra tenderness in bites like these.
- Buttermilk
- This helps tenderize and adds moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes before using.
- Flour & Spices
- The flour coating gets a smoky, mildly spicy taste from smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Butter Sauce
- Unsalted butter is key for controlling saltiness. The honey adds a nice balance to the heat from hot sauce and chili flakes. Worcestershire sauce brings a savory depth. Feel free to adjust heat by reducing or increasing hot sauce and chili flakes.
How Do I Get Crispy, Juicy Chicken Bites Every Time?
Frying crispy, tender chicken bites can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Marinate properly: Let the chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays steady and coating stays crispy.
- Oil temperature: Heat oil to around 350°F (175°C). Too cool and bites get soggy; too hot and they burn without cooking through.
- Dredge fully: Make sure each bite is well coated with the seasoned flour to get that golden crust.
- Drain well: Use paper towels to soak off excess oil before tossing in the butter sauce, so they won’t get soggy.
Once coated in the butter sauce, toss gently so the bites stay crispy but absorb the rich flavors. Serve immediately for best results!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy skillet or deep frying pan – perfect for frying chicken evenly and keeping oil temperature steady.
- Cooking thermometer – helps you check oil temperature to fry chicken just right without burning.
- Mixing bowls – for marinating the chicken and mixing the flour coating easily.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – great for safely removing chicken bites from hot oil.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil to keep bites crispy.
- Small saucepan – for making the flavorful cowboy butter sauce smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for popcorn shrimp for a seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.
- Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños to the flour mix for extra spicy heat when you want more kick.
- Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese grated over the bites right before serving for melty cheesiness.
- Stir in chopped cooked bacon or crispy pancetta into the sauce to add a smoky, salty crunch.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes total: 30 minutes for marinating, 10 minutes for frying and sauce preparation, plus a few minutes for assembling and serving. It’s a quick and tasty dish you can whip up any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken bites in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir to coat all pieces well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to make the chicken tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting any extra drip back into the bowl. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the coated pieces on a plate ready for frying.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken bites in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In a clean skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (avoid browning it). Stir in honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Coat the Chicken Bites:
Add the fried chicken bites to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Gently toss until each piece is nicely coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.
7. Serve:
Transfer the sauced chicken bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right away, with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or mustard-based dip.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating and cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet, and mist them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the coating crispy, and add a splash of butter or honey sauce if needed to refresh the flavor.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! To make it milder, reduce or omit the hot sauce and chili flakes. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to the flour coating for a spicy kick.