Cowboy Chicken Bites

Cowboy Chicken Bites are bold, smoky, and packed with flavor—bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy BBQ seasoning, then baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re finished with a kick of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a sprinkle of green onion, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack. I love serving them for game days, potlucks, or whenever I want something hearty and finger-licking good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying these Cowboy Chicken Bites are. They combine all the best parts of barbecue—seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and a touch of heat—into small, crave-worthy bites. They’re easy to customize, fun to dip, and great for both kids and adults. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just making a snack platter, these always disappear fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• Olive oil

• BBQ seasoning or rub

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Bacon (cooked and crumbled)

• Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese

• Green onions (chopped)

• BBQ sauce (for dipping)

• Ranch or chipotle aioli (optional)

directions

1. Prep the chicken: I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the chicken: I either bake the bites on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or pan-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.

3. Add toppings: Once cooked, I transfer the chicken to a baking dish or sheet pan, sprinkle with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, and return it to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

4. Garnish and serve: I top the bites with chopped green onions and serve them hot with BBQ sauce or ranch on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I wrap each chicken bite in a half-strip of bacon before baking for a more indulgent version. I’ve also added diced jalapeños or used buffalo sauce instead of BBQ for a spicy twist. For a lighter option, I serve them in lettuce cups with a drizzle of yogurt-based ranch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They also reheat well in the microwave, though they lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch. I just toss it with seasoning and toppings, then bake until the cheese melts.

Are these good for meal prep?

Definitely. I make a batch and portion them out for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes, I cook the chicken bites at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through. I add cheese and bacon at the end and air fry for another minute or two.

What kind of cheese works best?

I usually use sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a nice balance of melt and flavor. Monterey Jack or Colby work well too.

Can I make these spicy?

Absolutely. I add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Cowboy Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness—all packed into tender, flavorful bites. They’re easy to make, super satisfying, and always a hit no matter when I serve them. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a party platter, I keep coming back to this recipe for how fun and tasty it is.

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