Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

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Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ showstopper: Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers. These juicy, golden bites are marinated in a rich, herby cowboy butter sauce, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, slightly charred flavor that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re cooking indoors or firing up the grill outside, these skewers come together effortlessly and deliver major flavor. Cowboy butter—a bold blend of melted butter, garlic, mustard, lemon, and herbs—adds a punchy twist that sets this dish apart from your average chicken skewer. It’s zesty, garlicky, slightly spicy, and incredibly addictive.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the juiciest skewers, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top choice. They stay tender even after grilling, soaking up every bit of the cowboy butter marinade. That said, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine too—just don’t overcook them. Whatever cut you choose, make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the skewer.

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Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts – The main protein, cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and even charring.
• Unsalted Butter – The base of the cowboy butter; it carries the flavor and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic – Adds bold aromatic depth that’s essential to cowboy butter.
• Lemon Juice – Brings brightness and balance to the richness of the butter.
• Dijon Mustard – Offers tanginess and a creamy texture that helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the grill.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – A subtle kick to keep things interesting.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasoning to round out all the flavors.

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How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter Marinade

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour in about two-thirds of the cowboy butter mixture and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred. Brush with the reserved cowboy butter during grilling for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and give them one last brush of warm cowboy butter. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

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How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Serve these sizzling skewers straight off the grill with a drizzle of the remaining cowboy butter. They pair well with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, grilled corn, or even a fresh green salad for balance. If you want to go full cowboy, add a buttery biscuit on the side.

To store leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of leftover cowboy butter or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the skewers on a foil-lined sheet for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil at the end for a nice char.

Is cowboy butter spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust. Feel free to dial it up or tone it down depending on your preference.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. For even more convenience, thread them on the skewers and store them covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

What else can I use cowboy butter on?

Pretty much anything! Try it with grilled steak, shrimp, corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or even as a bread dip.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes. Just place the marinated chicken (uncooked) in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers, don’t miss these other flavorful favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving rich, saucy comfort food.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for pasta night perfection.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for another citrus-herb twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes to keep things cozy and filling.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner for a quick skillet meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you grill them outdoors or use a grill pan inside? Did you go spicy or mild?

I love seeing how you personalize these recipes. Questions are always welcome—let’s cook and connect!

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