Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are a bit juicier and can add even more flavor. Just trim excess fat and follow the same method; adjust cooking by a couple minutes if your cubes are larger.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, every ingredient here is naturally gluten-free (always check your spices to be sure). It’s a great choice for GF eaters.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Not at all. The robust rub and hot oven do all the work. The chicken goes straight from chopping block to oven for maximum convenience.

How spicy are these bites?

The heat is mild—just enough to be interesting, not overpowering. If your crowd loves spice, amp up the cayenne and red pepper, or serve with spicy dipping sauces.

Cowboy Chicken Bites Recipe

Description

Cowboy Chicken Bites are tender, oven-baked chicken cubes packed with bold, savory flavors from a vibrant blend of spices and herbs. This easy weeknight recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners, snacks, or party appetizers. The dish features juicy chicken tossed in aromatic seasonings, olive oil, and finished with butter for an extra layer of richness.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 chicken breasts)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Baking

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

For Garnish

Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken pieces directly into the prepared baking dish, spreading them into an even layer so they cook uniformly.
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the dry mustard, dried chives, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the seasonings are evenly mixed, creating a balanced spice blend.
Season and Toss: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken cubes in the dish. Drizzle the olive oil on top and gently toss the chicken to coat all pieces evenly with the spices and oil.
Add Butter: Dot the tops of the seasoned chicken with the cubed butter, spacing it out evenly. This will melt as it bakes, adding flavor and moisture to the chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir the chicken to ensure even cooking, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the edges are lightly browned.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the cowboy chicken bites from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Adjust heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve these bites as an appetizer, snack, or main course with your favorite dipping sauces.
Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if available, but double the quantity.

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 5 oz (1/3 of recipe)
Calories: 270
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 97mg