These Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites are a simple, buttery, garlicky crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken pieces roast in a lemony garlic butter with fresh herbs and a hint of paprika. They come out golden on the outside and juicy inside. The aroma is rich and savory, the texture lightly crisped at the edges, and the flavor brightened by lemon and herbs. If you like quick, satisfying weeknight meals, this one delivers in under 30 minutes — and it pairs well with a light salad or mashed potatoes. For another lemony baked chicken idea, see this baked lemon butter chicken that uses similar flavors.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (4 servings total):
- Calories per serving: 390 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
(Values are estimates based on 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast and 1/2 cup butter. Final nutrition will vary with exact ingredient brands and added salt.)
Why Make This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe is fast, comforting, and full of familiar flavors. The butter carries garlic, lemon, and herbs, which soak into the chicken while roasting. You get a rich, savory taste with a bright citrus note that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. It’s great for busy weeknights, informal dinners, or as an appetizer at a casual gathering. The hands-on time is short, and the technique is forgiving — perfect for cooks of any skill level.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
You’ll coat bite-sized chicken pieces in a simple herb-garlic butter mixture and roast them until golden and cooked through. The method keeps the chicken juicy and infuses it with buttery, lemony flavor. Use parchment or a lightly oiled baking sheet for easy cleanup. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety without overcooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Cut the chicken breast into even bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until blended and fragrant.
Step 3: Cooking
Toss the chicken pieces in the butter mixture until each piece is well coated. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps so heat circulates around each piece. Bake for 15–20 minutes, checking at 15 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden brown at the edges and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Spoon any remaining butter from the baking sheet over the bites. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley or chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon if you like. Serve hot.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty meal.
- Add to a crisp salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a lighter option.
- Offer with toasted bread or crusty rolls to soak up the buttery juices.
- For a party, thread bites onto skewers and serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy BBQ.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to retain crisp edges.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Tip: Reheat with a splash of lemon juice or a little extra butter to refresh the flavor and moisture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help the butter adhere and to promote slight browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give bites space to roast rather than steam.
- Use fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
- If you like more crispness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking — chicken breast dries quickly once past 165°F (74°C).
- For less butter, reduce to 1/3 cup and add a splash of olive oil to maintain coating.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Cowboy: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or 1 teaspoon chili powder for heat.
- Herb-Heavy: Double the parsley and chives and add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Smoky BBQ: Swap paprika for smoked paprika and add 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce to the butter mix.
- Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add a teaspoon of zest for a sweeter citrus note.
- Pan-Seared Version: Sear the coated bites in a hot skillet for 4–5 minutes until browned, then finish in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs stay juicier and add more fat and flavor. Reduce cook time slightly if pieces are small, and check for 165°F internal temperature. -
Q: Do I have to use butter?
A: Butter gives the signature rich flavor, but you can use olive oil for a lighter version. Use 1/3 cup oil plus a tablespoon of butter if you want some buttery flavor without as much saturated fat. -
Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Minced garlic mixed into melted butter and roasted at 400°F usually browns lightly without burning. If you worry, finely grate the garlic or lower oven temp to 375°F and add a couple extra minutes to cook time. -
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Roast the bites, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet. Keep extra butter sauce warm and spoon over before serving to refresh flavor. -
Q: What sides pair best with these bites?
A: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttery rice, or a crisp green salad all pair well. For a Tex-Mex twist, serve with corn on the cob and coleslaw. -
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Very. The flavors are simple and mild. Hold back on extra salt or spice for young children and serve with familiar sides like rice or potatoes. -
Q: Can I grill these instead of baking?
A: Yes. Thread pieces on skewers and grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, turning, until 165°F internal temperature. Brush with extra melted butter during grilling.
Conclusion
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites recipe is quick, flavorful, and comforting — a small set of ingredients that yield big taste. The butter and garlic make the chicken rich, while lemon and herbs keep it bright and fresh. Give it a try for an easy weeknight dinner or as a tasty party appetizer. For another take on buttery lemon chicken, check this helpful Cowboy Chicken Bites on I Am Homesteader.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Simple, buttery, garlicky chicken bites roasted in a lemony garlic butter with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the butter mixture until well coated. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and an internal thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon any remaining butter from the baking sheet over the bites. Garnish with extra parsley or chives and lemon if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra crispness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while watching closely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
