Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Alright, imagine this: juicy chicken skewers sizzling over the grill, bathed in a rich, golden butter sauce that’s got just the right kick. That’s exactly what these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers bring to the table. I stumbled on this gem after experimenting with a buttery herb sauce that’s almost too good to keep to myself. The moment the chicken hits that hot grill, you catch the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, smoky paprika, and a hint of tangy citrus—trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re firing up your grill on a sunny afternoon or craving a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, these skewers have your back.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water 30 minutes before grilling)
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How I Make It
Step 1:
First things first, toss your chicken pieces in a bowl with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure every bite is seasoned just right. Let it sit while you prep the sauce—it helps those flavors soak in.
Step 2:
Pop those chicken pieces onto your skewers, leaving a little space between them so the heat circulates evenly and the meat cooks thoroughly. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember they need soaking to avoid any fire hazards!
Step 3:
Time for the cowboy butter! Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about 1 minute (don’t let it brown!). Then stir in lemon juice, parsley, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and tweak seasonings as needed.
Step 4:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the skewers down and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, turning once until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through (safe internal temp is 165°F!).
Step 5:
Right after flipping your skewers, brush them generously with that luscious cowboy butter. Do it again once they’re off the grill for max flavor and moisture.
Step 6:
Serve your skewers hot, drizzled with any extra cowboy butter sauce, and sprinkle a little more fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness.
Variations & Tips
- Swap chicken thighs for breast if you prefer leaner meat, but watch cooking time closely to avoid dryness.
- Add diced bell peppers or onions on skewers for some color and crunch.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler works great—just watch for flare-ups.
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of chipotle powder to the butter sauce.
- Double the cowboy butter sauce to use as an amazing dipping sauce on the side.
How I Like to Serve It
These skewers are fantastic served alongside a simple corn salad or creamy coleslaw for a true backyard BBQ vibe. On cooler nights, I love pairing them with a buttery mashed potato or some grilled corn on the cob. For a quick weeknight meal, a fresh green salad and crusty bread round out the plate perfectly.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken.
- If you’re short on fresh herbs, dried parsley works but add it at the end of cooking the butter sauce to preserve flavor.
Closing: This recipe always hits the spot because it’s simple, packed with bold flavors, and buttery-goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
