Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of bold, buttery spice and juicy grilled chicken, all skewered and ready for backyard BBQ greatness. The chicken is marinated in a garlicky, lemony cowboy butter sauce, threaded onto skewers, and grilled until golden and lightly charred. The result? Tender bites infused with flavor that’ll make everyone reach for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a casual cookout or a weekday dinner that breaks the routine, these skewers are easy to prep and impossible to resist. The cowboy butter not only adds zesty richness, but also acts as a dipping sauce to bring the entire dish together. It’s smoky, it’s spicy, and it has just enough garlic to keep things interesting.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe
These skewers take classic grilled chicken and give it a serious upgrade. The cowboy butter marinade is loaded with flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy while it cooks. It’s a fast, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with just about anything—from grilled veggies to a big green salad.
Plus, since everything is skewered, serving and cleanup are a breeze. No mess, no fuss, just delicious bites hot off the grill or oven.
What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Skewers?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the MVP here. They have more fat than chicken breasts, which means more flavor and moisture during grilling. That said, if you prefer chicken breasts, they work just fine—just be careful not to overcook them.
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
To make these flavorful skewers, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that come together to create a bold marinade and buttery dipping sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these are perfect for absorbing the marinade.
Butter: The base of our cowboy butter. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives this dish its signature kick.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Dijon mustard: A little tang that deepens the flavor.
Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the grilled notes.
Red pepper flakes: Brings gentle heat. You can add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
Fresh parsley: For freshness and color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Skewers: Wooden or metal, depending on your grill setup.


How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Make the Cowboy Butter
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is combined. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside half the cowboy butter for serving.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes. In a large bowl, pour half of the cowboy butter over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, spacing them evenly. Discard the used marinade.
Step 4: Grill or Bake
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 425°F. Cook the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve with Cowboy Butter
Brush the hot skewers with reserved cowboy butter and serve with more for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
These skewers are best served hot, fresh off the grill or oven, with a side of your favorite vegetables or starches. The cowboy butter sauce makes a fantastic dip for crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or even grilled corn.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They’re great in wraps, on top of salads, or tucked into pita pockets for a second-day meal that still wows.
This recipe yields enough for about 4 servings.
What to Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers?
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Juicy, charred corn pairs beautifully with the richness of cowboy butter.
Garlic Herb Rice
Lightly seasoned rice makes the perfect base to soak up extra sauce.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the bold flavors.
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Crispy and creamy, ideal for dipping in leftover cowboy butter.
Skillet Green Beans
Sautéed green beans bring color and texture to the plate.
Macaroni Salad
A chilled pasta salad adds a creamy contrast.
Grilled Zucchini
Grill up some zucchini alongside your skewers for an easy veggie side.
Crusty Bread
To soak up every last bit of the cowboy butter, you’ll want good bread.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers hit the spot, check out more delicious dishes:
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, weeknight comfort meal.
 - Cheesy Chicken Fritters with golden crusts and melty centers.
 - Best Chicken and Rice Casserole that’s both filling and family-friendly.
 - Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for lunch or dinner.
 - Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders if you love crunch without the deep fryer.
 
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip up these skewers anytime summer calls.
Did you grill them or bake them? Add extra heat or mellow out the spice? Let me know how you made them your own!
Explore more fresh, fun, and flavor-packed recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and never run out of tasty ideas.

		Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
 - Yield: 4 servings
 
Description
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers recipe features juicy grilled chicken marinated in zesty cowboy butter packed with garlic, lemon, and smoky spices. Perfect for BBQs or easy dinners, these chicken skewers are bursting with bold flavor and ideal for summer grilling or oven roasting. Cowboy chicken skewers, cowboy butter marinade, grilled chicken skewers with butter sauce—your new favorite weeknight chicken dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Remove from heat and add parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and pour in half the cowboy butter. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Pre-soak wooden skewers (if using) in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill over medium-high heat or bake in a 425°F oven for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Brush hot skewers with reserved cowboy butter. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
Serve with grilled veggies, rice, or crusty bread.
If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, be careful not to overcook.
For less heat, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 15 minutes
 - Category: Main Course
 - Method: Grilled or Baked
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
 - Calories: 340
 - Sugar: 0.5g
 - Sodium: 560mg
 - Fat: 25g
 - Saturated Fat: 12g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 11g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 1g
 - Fiber: 0g
 - Protein: 28g
 - Cholesterol: 130mg
 

					
						
