These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers bring the perfect combination of smoky charred chicken and bold, buttery goodness. Marinated in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, mustard, lemon, and a kick of spice, each bite is juicy, rich, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or preparing a quick and delicious weeknight meal, these skewers will become a household favorite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or even a side of garlic bread. The cowboy butter sauce can be used as a dip or drizzled over for an extra layer of indulgence. Quick to prepare and incredibly delicious, this recipe is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with bold, smoky, and buttery flavors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
- Thread the cubed chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Brush the chicken generously with the cowboy butter sauce.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Brush the skewers with more cowboy butter before serving.
- Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers: A Bold and Flavorful Grilled Delight
Grilled chicken skewers are a staple in backyard barbecues, summer cookouts, and casual dinner gatherings. But when you take those skewers and coat them in rich, garlicky cowboy butter, they transform into an explosion of bold, smoky, and buttery flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a savory and slightly spicy taste that complements the juicy grilled chicken perfectly.
This dish is quick to prepare, easy to cook, and packed with flavors, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a game-day party, or simply looking for an exciting dinner idea, Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers offer a winning combination of smoky char and indulgent buttery goodness.
What is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a rich, infused butter sauce that enhances grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables with a bold, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s made with melted butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices that create a savory, smoky, and zesty kick. This buttery sauce originated as a dip for steak, but it has quickly gained popularity as a marinade and basting sauce for grilled chicken, shrimp, and even vegetables.
One of the best things about cowboy butter is its versatility—it can be used as a marinade, a finishing sauce, or even a dip. The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the butter, while the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring a touch of heat and smokiness.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers recipe is not your average grilled chicken dish. Here’s what makes it unique:
- Deep, rich flavor: The combination of melted butter, garlic, and spices creates a sauce that coats the chicken and infuses it with layers of bold, buttery goodness.
- Perfect for grilling: The open-flame cooking method enhances the flavors by adding a delicious smoky char to the chicken, making each bite more satisfying.
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep time and fast cooking on the grill, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Customizable spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to make it as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
- Great for meal prep: The chicken can be marinated in the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time, making it even more flavorful when grilled later.
Best Ways to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
These skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways, depending on your occasion and preference. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- With grilled vegetables: Pair the skewers with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a well-rounded and colorful meal.
- Over a fresh salad: Serve them on top of a crisp green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- With garlic butter rice: The rich flavors of cowboy butter pair perfectly with fluffy garlic butter rice or herb-infused quinoa.
- As a wrap or sandwich: Remove the chicken from the skewers and stuff it into warm pita bread, naan, or tortillas with a drizzle of ranch dressing or extra cowboy butter sauce.
- With dipping sauces: While cowboy butter is flavorful on its own, you can serve the skewers with a side of chipotle mayo, tzatziki, or a simple garlic yogurt sauce for added indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Grilling chicken skewers might seem simple, but there are a few tips and tricks to make sure they turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling: If you’re using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: While chicken breast is leaner, thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy when grilled.
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Baste with cowboy butter throughout grilling: Brushing the chicken with extra cowboy butter while cooking helps keep it moist, flavorful, and perfectly glazed.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can make it dry, so using a meat thermometer is recommended.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Here’s how to store and reheat your Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers while keeping them moist and flavorful:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Remove the chicken from the skewers, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm the skewers on a medium-low heat grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
Variations and Customizations
While the traditional Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers recipe is already packed with flavor, you can easily modify it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great ways to customize the recipe:
- Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a pinch of chipotle powder for more heat.
- Add a smoky touch: Use hickory-smoked salt or a splash of liquid smoke to enhance the grilled flavor.
- Try different proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, or even tofu to create a different version of cowboy butter skewers.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with cilantro, thyme, or rosemary for a unique twist on the classic cowboy butter flavor.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There’s a reason why Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers have become a favorite among grilling enthusiasts and home cooks alike. They are fast to prepare, incredibly delicious, and versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. The smoky charred chicken, combined with the rich, garlicky butter sauce, delivers an irresistible depth of flavor that will impress everyone at your dinner table.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors, cooking on a stovetop grill pan, or even baking the skewers in the oven, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that is anything but ordinary.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a grilled chicken dish that goes beyond the basics, Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a must-try. The bold, smoky, buttery flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, make this recipe an absolute winner for summer cookouts, family dinners, and special gatherings.
With customizable spice levels, multiple serving options, and simple ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need complicated recipes to create restaurant-quality meals at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these skewers will make you feel like a grill master with minimal effort.
So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful grilled chicken dishes you’ve ever made!