Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe -

Transform standard weeknight poultry into an extraordinary meal with these flavor-packed skewers. Tender bites of chicken are infused with olive oil, salt, and pepper before being grilled or air-fried to juicy perfection.

They are then generously coated in a rich, herbaceous, and spiced cowboy butter that melts into every bite, delivering a bold punch of garlic, smoke, and citrus.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter:

1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Chicken Skewers:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Eight 6-inch wooden or metal skewers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Chill the Cowboy Butter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped chives, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, smoked paprika, lemon juice, thyme, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir vigorously until all the herbs, spices, and aromatics are thoroughly blended into the butter.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, shape it into a log or package tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

2. Assemble the Skewers

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Place the chicken pieces into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.
Thread the seasoned chicken onto the eight 6-inch skewers, leaving about a 1/4-inch space between each piece to allow the heat to circulate properly.

3. Cook the Chicken

Outdoor Grill Method: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers directly on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.
Air Fryer Alternative: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket and cook for 11 to 12 minutes, turning once midway, until fully cooked through to 165°F (74°C).

4. Finish and Serve

Melt half of the chilled cowboy butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
Drizzle the melted butter generously over the hot, freshly cooked chicken skewers.
Serve immediately alongside the remaining un-melted cowboy butter for dipping.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Soak Wooden Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Chicken Choice

Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor due to higher fat content, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option. Both work wonderfully with this recipe.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the cowboy butter up to 3 days in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator, making weeknight assembly quick and effortless.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	433	—
Total Fat	31g	40%
Saturated Fat	16g	82%
Cholesterol	157mg	52%
Sodium	610mg	27%
Total Carbohydrates	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	0g	—
Protein	36g	72%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	47mg	4%
Iron	2mg	10%
Potassium	357mg	8%