There’s something about skewers that just brings a party vibe into my kitchen! I remember the first time I made these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers; it was a breezy summer evening, and my friends were gathered for a barbecue. The sizzling sound of chicken hitting the grill, coupled with the mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air, instantly set the mood for a fun night. Everyone loved them so much that I ended up making three batches that evening!
These skewers are not just about the fun of eating them off a stick; they pack a flavor punch with their smoky and spicy marinade, perfectly complemented by the rich, garlicky Cowboy Butter sauce. I love how easy they are to throw together, making them perfect for both casual get-togethers and serious feasts.
What’s in Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish sing, shall we?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! These are super easy to work with and soak up all the yummy flavors from the marinade. They become tender and juicy on the grill.
Olive Oil: This is the base of our marinade. It not only helps the spices adhere to the chicken but also adds a delightful richness.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a lovely depth and smokiness to the chicken. I always recommend using a good quality smoked variety to really elevate the flavor.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for that addictive garlicky essence. Fresh garlic works too, but I find the powder to be more evenly distributed in the marinade.
Onion Powder: Just like garlic powder, this adds an extra layer of flavor without any chompy bits.
Dried Oregano: This herb brings a nice, earthy aroma that balances well with the chicken.
Dried Thyme: A pinch of thyme lends a subtle, herbaceous note that meshes beautifully with the other spices.
Cayenne Pepper: This spice is adjustable depending on how much heat you like. I prefer a bit of a kick, but feel free to dial it back!
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that makes all the difference in elevating the flavors.
Wooden Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them! This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Unsalted Butter: The richness of butter takes our Cowboy Sauce to a whole new level. Always go for unsalted, as we can control the saltiness better this way.
Fresh Parsley and Chives: Fresh herbs add a bright, pop of color and flavor to the sauce.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens things up and cuts through the richness of the butter.
Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient adds a depth of umami that really brings the Cowboy Butter sauce to life!
Is Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers Good for You?
Good question! These skewers are packed with lean protein thanks to the chicken, making them a nutritious option. Plus, with the inclusion of fresh herbs and spices, they’re a great way to sneak in some flavor and nutrients without calorie overload. Just be mindful of how much butter you use in the sauce. While butter can be luxurious and delicious, moderation is key. You can always reduce the butter a little or serve it on the side to control how much you use.
Ingredients
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 12 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Serves: 4
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers?
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing already!
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover it up and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—if you can hold out longer, let it go overnight for a flavor explosion!
3. While the chicken is marinating, whip up the Cowboy Butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and set aside.
4. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. If you hear a nice sizzle when you put the chicken on, you’re golden.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has those adorable grill marks.
7. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
8. Serve the skewers warm with the Cowboy Butter sauce on the side for an epic dipping experience!
Serve It Your Way!
Feel free to play around with this recipe. You could use shrimp or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini on the skewers for a delicious twist. If you want to bulk it up, serve these skewers over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out! The next time you fire up the grill or just want something fun and flavorful for dinner, you’ve got to give these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers a go. Once you do, be sure to drop me a note about how they turned out—I have a feeling they’ll become a favorite of yours, too! Happy grilling!
