If you’re looking for a bold and flavorful dish, these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a must-try! Tender, juicy chicken cubes are seasoned to perfection, then grilled, baked, or air-fried to a crispy golden brown. But what takes these skewers over the top is the cowboy butter—a rich, zesty blend of herbs, garlic, and spices melted into a luxurious drizzle. Whether served as an appetizer or a hearty main course, these skewers are packed with flavor in every bite.
These skewers pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad, making them a versatile addition to any meal. The best part? They come together in just under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend grilling sessions. Whether you’re a fan of smoky grilled flavors or the convenience of an air fryer, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to!
Full Recipe:
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cowboy butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, add chicken, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer, leaving space between pieces.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F. Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Grill Method: Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Remove cooked skewers from heat and place on a serving platter.
- Drizzle or brush with melted cowboy butter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 21 minutes
Kcal: 209 kcal | Servings: 8 skewers
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers – A Flavor-Packed Dish for Any Occasion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with herbs and spices. These skewers are perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying, making them a versatile addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or preparing an appetizer that will impress your guests, this dish has everything you need.
What is Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is a savory, herb-infused compound butter that brings a bold, zesty kick to any dish. It’s made by blending melted butter with ingredients like garlic, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a mix of spices. The result is a buttery sauce with a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and richness. This sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, vegetables, and even seafood, making it a staple in many kitchens.
When drizzled over hot, crispy chicken skewers, cowboy butter melts into every crevice, coating each bite with its incredible depth of flavor. The combination of the smoky, charred chicken and the silky, spiced butter creates a dish that is truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to love Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers, but here are a few that stand out:
- Quick & Easy: With a simple seasoning and a quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold & Flavorful: The cowboy butter elevates basic chicken skewers into a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: You can cook these skewers in an air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven, depending on your preference.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer cookout, these skewers will be the star of the meal.
Different Ways to Cook Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. No matter your preferred cooking method, you can achieve delicious, tender chicken skewers every time.
1. Air Fryer Method
Cooking the skewers in an air fryer ensures crispy, evenly cooked chicken with minimal effort. The high-speed circulation of hot air mimics the effect of deep-frying but with much less oil, making this a healthier option. In just about 10-12 minutes, you’ll have golden-brown skewers that are ready to be drenched in cowboy butter.
2. Grilling Method
For those who love smoky, charred flavors, grilling is the way to go. Cooking the skewers over medium-high heat gives them a beautiful sear while keeping the inside juicy. The smoky aroma combined with the buttery richness of the cowboy butter makes these skewers an instant crowd-pleaser.
3. Oven-Baked Method
If you prefer a hands-off approach, baking the skewers in the oven is an excellent alternative. This method takes a little longer than air frying or grilling, but the result is just as flavorful. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, and you can cook multiple skewers at once—perfect for meal prepping.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
These flavorful skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to complete your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, slightly charred contrast to the rich butter sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the bold, spicy flavors of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic barbecue side that complements the smoky, buttery flavors of the skewers.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing slaw helps cut through the richness of the butter sauce.
- Roasted Potato Salad: A warm, flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad, perfect for pairing with these skewers.
Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
1. Use High-Quality Chicken
The better the chicken, the better the final result. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work best for this recipe. If using breasts, try to cut the pieces evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
2. Let the Skewers Rest Before Serving
Once the skewers are cooked, let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
3. Soak Wooden Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers for an eco-friendly, reusable option.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Customize the Cowboy Butter
The beauty of cowboy butter is that you can tweak it to your taste! Add more cayenne for heat, extra garlic for a punch of flavor, or even a splash of honey for a touch of sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these skewers disappear fast!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Remove the chicken from the skewers and freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Drizzle with extra cowboy butter before serving for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that works for any occasion. Whether you cook them in an air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven, these skewers are guaranteed to be juicy and packed with bold, buttery goodness. The rich and zesty cowboy butter takes the dish to another level, making it a standout recipe in any meal rotation.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Plus, they’re great for meal prep, so you can enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week.