Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers deliver bold, savory flavor in a simple, easy-to-prepare dish that puts a hearty spin on traditional grilled or air-fried chicken. In just a few simple steps—marinate, skewer, cook, and slather with luscious cowboy butter—you get moist, tender bites infused with rich, buttery, herb-kissed goodness. Perfect for casual weeknight dinners or weekend get‑togethers, these skewers are as convenient as they are delicious—ready in around 20 minutes, with minimal fuss. Whether you choose the air fryer, oven, or grill method, each bite bursts with juicy chicken and buttery zest. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Name
- Juicy, tender chicken with perfectly balanced seasoning.
- Versatile cooking methods—air fryer, oven, or grill—to suit your preference.
- Easy and quick prep, perfect for busy cooks or casual entertaining.
- Rich, indulgent cowboy butter adds a decadent finish that takes your skewers to the next level.
- Crowd-pleaser that’s both homey and impressive. From casual family meals to summer barbecue spreads, these skewers deliver big on flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Approximately 1 pound (2 boneless, skinless) chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra‑virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup cowboy butter, melted at serving time
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
- Soak the skewers: Begin by soaking the wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to keep them from charring during cooking.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, place in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the pieces, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each skewer, spacing the pieces slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
- Cook using your preferred method:
- Air Fryer: Place the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium‑high. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes per side (about 16–20 minutes total), until the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Finish: Carefully remove cooked skewers and place on a serving platter. Brush or drizzle generously with melted cowboy butter.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skewers for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Helpful Tips
- Evenly sized chicken pieces cook more uniformly—slice carefully.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking before drizzling butter—it helps juices redistribute.
- Warm the cowboy butter gently—too hot and it may become greasy, too cool and it won’t coat well. Aim for a silky pourable texture.
- Group skewers loosely during cooking (especially in oven/air fryer) so hot air or grill heat circulates freely and crisp edges form.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture; adjust cook time slightly.
- Alternate butters: Try garlic-herb butter, lemon-basil butter, or chipotle-lime compound butter for varied flavor profiles.
- Add veggies: Thread pieces of bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, or cherry tomatoes between chicken cubes for a colorful, veggie-loaded skewer.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the seasoning mix for extra kick.
- Marinade twist: Mix a bit of mustard, honey, or Worcestershire in with the olive oil before tossing chicken for deeper flavor layers.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Allow skewers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Lay the cooked skewers flat on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for storage for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, and add fresh melted butter for best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
(Per 1 chicken skewer with cowboy butter)
- Calories: ~209 kcal
- Protein: ~20 g (approx.)
- Fat: ~12–14 g (depending on butter and oil amount)
- Carbohydrates: ~1–2 g (negligible, depending on butter ingredients)
- Sodium: variable, based on salt and butter content
(These are estimates—values will vary based on exact ingredients and butter recipe—feel free to plug into your favorite nutrition calculator for precision.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve skewers hot alongside cream cheese mashed potatoes or grilled corn on the cob for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a crisp garden salad or cucumber‑tomato salad to balance richness with freshness.
- Try warm flatbreads or pita chips on the side to scoop up extra cowboy butter.
- For gatherings, serve skewers family-style on a platter with lemon wedges for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers (150‑Word FAQ)
Can I use metal kebab skewers instead of wooden ones?
Absolutely. Metal skewers don’t need soaking and are reusable—just be cautious when handling as they retain heat.
How do I make cowboy butter from scratch?
Typically, cowboy butter is made by whisking melted butter with garlic, fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and dill), lemon juice, and sometimes a pinch of cayenne. Feel free to use store-bought or your favorite homemade version.
Can I prep skewers in advance?
Yes! Threaded, uncooked skewers can be refrigerated (covered) up to 24 hours before cooking. Bring to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge or freezer. Reheat and drizzle with fresh butter for quick lunches or dinners.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Don’t overcook—monitor internal temperature closely. The quick cooking time, combined with the buttery finish, helps keep everything juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by and giving these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers a try—I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to my table! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between effortless prep and unforgettable flavor—a testament to how simple ingredients and thoughtful cooking make magic. Whether you’re a casual cook or hosting friends, these skewers offer that “wow” factor with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to taste the buttery richness and savor those tender chicken bites. Enjoy every flavorful moment, and here’s to delicious meals made with heart. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are juicy, quick-to-make skewers coated in rich cowboy butter and perfect for air fryer, oven, or grill cooking. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe comes together fast and tastes like a backyard favorite.
Ingredients
8 wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup cowboy butter, melted
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Soak the skewers: Begin by soaking the wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to keep them from charring during cooking.
Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, place in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the pieces, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Skewer the chicken: Thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each skewer, spacing the pieces slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
Cook using your preferred method:
Air Fryer: Place the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is fully cooked.
Grill: Preheat grill to medium‑high. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes per side (about 16–20 minutes total), until the internal temperature is 165°F.
Finish: Carefully remove cooked skewers and place on a serving platter. Brush or drizzle generously with melted cowboy butter.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skewers for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Notes
Always cook chicken to 165°F internal temp.
Cowboy butter can be store-bought or homemade.
Perfect for meal prep or freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 209 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g