Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving something smoky, zesty, and wildly flavorful off the grill or oven? Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are here to bring the rodeo right to your dinner plate. With juicy chicken bites slathered in cowboy butter—a golden blend of garlic, herbs, lemon, and spice—this dish is perfect for weeknight indulgence or weekend cookouts.

These skewers aren’t just about bold flavor; they come together quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, they offer a protein-packed, low-carb option that’s endlessly versatile. You can pair them with anything from rice and salads to roasted veggies or flatbreads.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the prep right sets you up for a seamless grilling or baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your marinade ingredients. A deep bowl helps keep splashes contained while whisking together the cowboy butter.
• Whisk or Spoon: To properly emulsify the butter mixture so all the spices and herbs are evenly distributed.
• Skewers (Wooden or Metal): Essential for uniform cooking and easy flipping. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: A grill pan works great indoors, giving you nice sear marks, while an outdoor grill infuses that classic smoky aroma.
• Tongs: For flipping skewers safely and evenly during cooking.

Using the right tools means no sticking, no burning, and even flavor distribution across each chicken bite.

---

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Let’s break down why each ingredient matters in this flavor-loaded recipe:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: This is the star protein. Thighs offer juiciness and richer flavor, while breasts bring a leaner bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Forms the velvety base of the cowboy butter sauce, allowing full control over salt levels.
• Garlic (Minced): Intensifies the savory flavor profile with bold, aromatic notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color to balance the richness.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Brings acidity and zest that cuts through the fat and lifts the entire marinade.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that lingers on the palate.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances depth with a tangy punch and emulsifies the butter sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with grilled meat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning throughout.

---

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter Marinade

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the cowboy butter over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Skewer and Preheat

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even char marks. Baste with the remaining cowboy butter during the last few minutes for added flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra cowboy butter for dipping, and enjoy immediately.

---

Serving and Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, sizzling with that buttery herb coating. Serve them family-style with lemon wedges and a bowl of extra cowboy butter for dipping. They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a side of creamy coleslaw.

For storing, let the skewers cool to room temperature, then remove the chicken from the sticks and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover butter sauce to maintain juiciness.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well. They’re leaner, so watch the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

What if I don’t have a grill?

A stovetop grill pan or even your oven’s broiler can mimic grilled flavor. Just keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and grill when you’re ready.

Is the cowboy butter spicy?

It has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I freeze the cooked skewers?

Yes, freeze them (off the skewers) in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a pan or air fryer. Note: the texture may be slightly softer after freezing.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

Stone-ground mustard or even a splash of vinegar with a pinch of sugar can work in a pinch, though Dijon adds a unique tang.

---

Want More Chicken Skewer Ideas?

If you’re into flavor-packed skewers, you’re in good company. You might love the spicy twist of these Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, which give you crunch with a kick.

For a creamy and comforting pasta pairing, check out the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Or, for something a bit smoky, the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta delivers bold heat with a saucy finish.

And if you want a classic comfort meal with a twist, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe layers spicy and cheesy like a pro.

Looking for a lighter side? The Italian Grinder Salad pairs beautifully with these skewers and adds a crisp, refreshing bite.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or grilling board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you skewer veggies too? Did you serve it with rice, or dip with extra cowboy butter? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how you made it your own.

For more fun and flavorful recipes like this, follow along on Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?