Description
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are crispy, golden-baked chicken pieces coated in a flavorful buttery blend of garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice, perfect for a savory appetizer or snack. They combine a crunchy breadcrumb coating with a spicy, tangy butter sauce for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs—to bread the chicken properly.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the melted butter, finely chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a flavorful sauce.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken bites are done, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the cowboy butter sauce until they are well coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken bites hot with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- These bites are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if needed; reduce quantity accordingly.
