These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are grilled to perfection and brushed with a creamy, buttery sauce that has a hint of spice.
Serving these skewers at a BBQ is always a hit! Who wouldn’t want a yummy combo of buttery goodness and grilled chicken? I love making extra so I can enjoy leftovers too! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. I find thighs juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can cut it into cubes and toss it in the marinade for a quicker version!
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. If you want a lighter option, try using olive oil instead for a healthier twist.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but consider adding a dash of liquid smoke for that BBQ taste. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference!
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the sauce. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter and tangy option.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Skewers Don’t Dry Out?
To keep your chicken juicy, marinating is key! The honey and vinegar help tenderize the meat while adding flavor. Here’s how:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal. This allows the flavors to soak in.
- When skewering, don’t pack the chicken too tightly. This ensures even cooking.
- Grill over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Chicken is best at about 165°F (74°C).
These simple steps will help you achieve moist and flavorful chicken skewers every time!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. The grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. Overall, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy some delicious Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; if you can wait, 1-2 hours will allow for even more flavor to soak into the chicken!
3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Fold in the chopped parsley and cover. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the cubes onto the skewers, packing them closely but not too tightly to ensure even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has delicious char marks.
6. Rest and Garnish:
After cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute in the chicken, keeping it juicy!
7. Serve:
Dig in! Serve the skewers hot with the creamy cowboy butter sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with grilled naan or your favorite flatbread to soak up that rich flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers for a delightful BBQ treat! 🥳
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cook faster, while beef may need longer depending on the cut.
How Can I Meal Prep These Skewers?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the skewers and grill them right before serving. Additionally, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge!
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
These skewers pair perfectly with grilled vegetables, rice, or a refreshing salad. You can also serve them with warm naan or pita bread to scoop up the delicious cowboy butter sauce!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper in the marinade or add a chopped jalapeño to the mixture. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who want an extra kick!