Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

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Juicy, smoky, and rich with bold flavor, Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are the kind of dinner that turns a regular evening into something worth talking about. These skewers combine char-grilled, marinated chicken chunks with a drizzle of cowboy butter sauce—a buttery, garlicky, herby blend with a slight kick that clings to every bite. The result? An irresistible combination of tender meat and savory heat.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, this dish answers the call. The skewers cook quickly and pack a punch, perfect for casual dinners or making an impression at summer cookouts. You can pair them with anything from corn on the cob to herbed rice or keep it simple with fresh bread and a salad.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers. They stay juicy, hold the marinade beautifully, and grill up with that perfect crispy edge. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast will work too—just be careful not to overcook it. The key is uniform chunks so everything cooks evenly on the skewer.

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Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Chicken Thighs
These offer the perfect balance of fat and flavor. They hold up well on the grill and remain juicy.

Lemon Juice
Adds brightness and a light tang that cuts through the richness of the butter.

Minced Garlic
Essential to that bold cowboy butter flavor—garlic infuses both the marinade and the finishing sauce.

Smoked Paprika
Gives a subtle smokiness and deep color to the chicken.

Red Pepper Flakes
Brings just enough heat to wake up your tastebuds without overwhelming the other flavors.

Fresh Parsley & Chives
Herbs lift the flavor and add a fresh, green balance to the buttery base.

Salted Butter
The heart of cowboy butter, it melts over the hot grilled chicken to create a glossy, flavor-packed finish.

Dijon Mustard
Adds a mild tang and depth to the butter sauce, complementing the spices and garlic.

Worcestershire Sauce
A background umami note that ties everything together.

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How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into even-sized chunks. In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and a bit of olive oil. Toss the chicken in this marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the chicken is ready, thread the marinated chunks onto the skewers, packing them snugly but not too tight to allow for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Stir in more minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, chives, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char. During the last couple of minutes, brush generously with the cowboy butter sauce.

Step 5: Serve With More Butter

Remove the skewers from the grill and give them one final brush or drizzle with warm cowboy butter. Garnish with extra chopped herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

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Serving and Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are best served hot off the grill, still glistening with melted butter and herbs. They pair beautifully with grilled corn, potato salad, or crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce. For a lighter meal, serve them over a simple green salad or rice pilaf.

If you have leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy cold, chopped into salads or wraps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these skewers?

The heat is mild to moderate, mostly from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust up or down depending on your preference.

Can I make this in the oven instead of on a grill?

Absolutely. Use a broiler pan or baking rack and cook under the broiler for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Baste with cowboy butter just as you would on the grill.

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, just be cautious not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster than thighs.

Is cowboy butter the same as garlic butter?

Not exactly. Cowboy butter includes herbs, mustard, lemon, and spices, making it more complex and robust than classic garlic butter.

Can I make cowboy butter ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for a week and can be reheated just before serving.

What sides go well with this?

Try corn on the cob, baked potatoes, coleslaw, garlic rice, or grilled vegetables for a full meal experience.

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Want More Chicken Skewer Ideas?

You might also like the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites if you’re in the mood for something saucy and spicy. Or try the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub for a skewer-free handheld twist.

For more buttery indulgence, check out the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells, which carry a similar flavor profile.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta delivers big flavor and easy cleanup. And for something rich and cozy, the Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff won’t disappoint.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you spice it up? Try it in the oven? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others enjoy these skewers.

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