If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor, tender juiciness, and a hint of rustic charm, then you have to try the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe. This recipe turns simple chicken cubes into an unforgettable feast, glazed with rich, savory cowboy butter that melts into every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill, air frying, or cooking indoors, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that come together quickly but pack an impressive punch of taste. Trust me, once you make these skewers, they’ll become a staple in your rotation whenever you want to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that work perfectly together. Each item not only supports the overall flavor but also contributes to the delightful texture and vibrant appearance of the final dish.
- 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Soaking ensures the skewers don’t burn during cooking and makes handling easier.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes): Tender chicken breast pieces absorb the flavors beautifully and cook quickly to juicy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken, keeping it moist and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and cowboy butter without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, balancing out the richness of the butter sauce.
- ½ cup cowboy butter (melted): The star of the show, this flavorful butter sauce makes the skewers irresistible with its bold, buttery, slightly spicy character.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal contrast that brightens up the dish visually and on the palate.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken cubes in a large bowl with the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning balances the flavors and ensures every bite is juicy and well-seasoned. The olive oil helps the chicken pieces brown nicely during cooking.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread 4 to 5 pieces of the chicken cubes onto each one. Make sure to leave a small gap between pieces to allow for even cooking. This spacing prevents the meat from steaming and encourages a lovely char as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if you don’t have an air fryer, grilling or broiling on high heat works wonderfully too). Air fry the skewers for about 11 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. The goal is an internal temperature of 165°F to keep the chicken safe and juicy. The exterior will develop a satisfying light crispiness, while the inside remains tender.
Step 4: Add the Cowboy Butter
Once cooked, remove the skewers carefully and place them on a serving platter. While they are still hot, brush or drizzle the warm melted cowboy butter over each skewer generously. This step adds richness and a burst of flavor that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Chopping fresh parsley and sprinkling it over the skewers at the end adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zesty brightness if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
These cowboy butter chicken skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides that complement their bold flavor. Think grilled corn, a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even fluffy rice to soak up the buttery goodness. The key is balancing hearty protein with fresh and light accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra cowboy butter for dipping. You can also thread vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes between the chicken pieces before cooking to add color and variety. Either way, the presentation will impress and invite guests to dig in eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to brush off excess butter before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven or air fryer is your friend to bring back the crisp edges without drying out the meat. Heat at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and may provide an even richer flavor to your Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just adjust cook time slightly and make sure they reach 165°F internally.
What exactly is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a zesty, savory compound butter that typically includes ingredients like garlic, herbs, citrus zest, and spices. It melts beautifully over grilled meats and adds big flavor without overpowering the main ingredient.
Is it possible to grill these skewers instead of air frying?
Yes, grilling these skewers works exceptionally well and adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cowboy butter. Just cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly.
Can I prepare these skewers in advance?
You can definitely prepare them ahead by marinating and threading the chicken onto skewers. Keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking to deepen the flavor.
How spicy is the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The flavor is bold but not overwhelmingly spicy. The cowboy butter provides a little kick depending on the spices used, but it’s balanced by the butter’s richness. You can always adjust seasonings to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe a try the next time you want a memorable meal that’s quick, easy, and downright delicious. The combination of tender chicken, buttery zest, and simple seasoning hits every craving perfectly. You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe turns your kitchen—or backyard grill—into a spot for tasty, vibrant eats that feel special every time.
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11-12 minutes
- Total Time: 21-22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers featuring tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated with olive oil, salt, and pepper, air fried to perfection, and brushed with flavorful melted cowboy butter. Perfect for a quick and satisfying appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 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
Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup cowboy butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Thread the Chicken: Take one soaked wooden skewer at a time and thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the cooked chicken skewers from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Generously brush or drizzle the melted cowboy butter over the hot skewers and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and optimal juiciness.
- Cowboy butter can be prepared ahead and melted just before use.
- You can double the recipe easily for larger gatherings.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can also be grilled or baked with adjustments to cooking time.
