Have you ever wondered how to elevate your grilled chicken game to a whole new level of flavor? Enter Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers, a dish that combines smoky, buttery richness with a hint of heat, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, then grilled to perfection and brushed with a savory cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy dinner at home, these skewers are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of bold flavors and juicy, tender chicken. The marinade infuses the meat with a tangy and spicy kick, while the cowboy butter adds a rich, garlicky finish. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into uniform strips
For the Cowboy Butter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- The zest from half a lemon and one tablespoon of its juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken slices and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside a portion of the butter mixture to brush over the skewers after cooking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken slices onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, basting with cowboy butter throughout the process. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: To serve, take the skewers off the grill once they’re cooked through. Brush with the reserved cowboy butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Extra Cowboy Butter: Make a double batch of cowboy butter to use as a dipping sauce or to drizzle over side dishes.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Option: Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini in place of chicken.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme in the cowboy butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?
Yes, you can make the cowboy butter ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the skewers in an oven set to 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely, the marinated chicken can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Store cooked chicken skewers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals.
More Chicken Recipes
Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Conclusion
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers offer a deliciously bold and adaptable option for any event or mealtime. The combination of zesty marinade and rich, garlicky butter creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences, this recipe is a must-try for your next meal.
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Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Grilled Flavor Bomb
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are smoky, buttery, and boldly seasoned with garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes. Grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with rich cowboy butter, these skewers are the perfect addition to any BBQ or family meal. Save this recipe and fire up the grill today!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into uniform strips
For the Cowboy Butter:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest from ½ lemon + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ tablespoon chopped chives
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken slices and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, red pepper flakes, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside a portion of the butter mixture to brush over the skewers after cooking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken slices onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, basting with cowboy butter throughout the process. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: To serve, take the skewers off the grill once they’re cooked through. Brush with the reserved cowboy butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Chicken can be marinated and frozen for up to 3 months.
Cowboy butter can also be used as a dipping sauce or to flavor veggies.
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 157
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 12g