If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with bold, buttery flavor and a touch of smoky heat, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken chunks with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and excitement, ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and lively weekend cookouts. Once you taste these skewers, you’ll understand why they quickly become the star of any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients aren’t just simple pantry staples—they each play a special role in creating the incredible flavor and texture that make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe so irresistible. From the creamy butter that coats every bite to the fresh parsley adding a vibrant pop of color, every component is essential.
- 680g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier skewers or breasts for a leaner option.
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: The star that melts all those bold flavors together into a luscious sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible garlicky aroma and depth.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and complexity to the butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers just the right kick of heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a dash of green to brighten the look.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild earthiness and subtle heat.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter gently over low heat. Then stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let this flavorful mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the ingredients meld into one unforgettable cowboy butter sauce, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, toss the chicken pieces in about two-thirds of that delicious cowboy butter, making sure every chunk is fully coated. Pop it into the fridge, covered, to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step lets the chicken soak up all those bold, buttery notes and ensures it will be bursting with flavor on the grill.
Step 3: Get Your Skewers Ready
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning later. Once soaked, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each for even cooking and better char.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lay the skewers down carefully. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning just once, until the chicken is cooked through with a slight charred edge. During grilling, baste the skewers with the remaining cowboy butter to keep them moist and flavorful with every turn.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once grilled to juicy perfection, serve the skewers hot. For an extra touch, brush on some more of the leftover cowboy butter and sprinkle additional parsley on top to make them pop visually and taste even better.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the excitement of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe. Fresh parsley is a classic choice to add a touch of green and freshness. You can also add thin lemon wedges on the side for those who want a zesty boost with every bite.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with light, crunchy salads like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the buttery chicken. For heartier sides, consider grilled corn on the cob or buttery garlic mashed potatoes for an all-American BBQ vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers. Alternatively, serve them over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice pilaf to soak up every last drop of buttery goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep any extra cowboy butter sauce separate for reheating or drizzling fresh when serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed inside a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers gently in a skillet or oven at low heat, brushing on leftover cowboy butter to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can dry out the chicken and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, boneless chicken breasts can work well too. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender and moist.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the richest flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This gives the cowboy butter enough time to infuse into the meat without breaking down its texture.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even bake the skewers in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with the cowboy butter to keep them moist.
Is the Cowboy Butter spicy?
There is a gentle kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s balanced by the creaminess of the butter and the citrus brightness. You can always adjust the heat up or down based on your preference.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time for a party?
You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until it’s time to grill for the freshest taste and best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that is as flavorful as it is satisfying, the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe should be your next go-to. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with bold, buttery goodness, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation, bringing a little cowboy spirit to your dinner table every time.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus up to 2 hours marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful grilled chicken pieces marinated in a rich, smoky butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and spices. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, these skewers combine the savory goodness of butter with the boldness of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for a deliciously tangy and spicy bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 680g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour in two-thirds of the prepared cowboy butter sauce and toss the chicken thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping carefully, until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely grill marks. Frequently baste the chicken with the remaining cowboy butter sauce while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot. Optionally, brush with extra cowboy butter sauce and garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Soaking the wooden skewers is important to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to avoid the acid from lemon juice starting to cook the meat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven, turning once.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
