These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are a fun and tasty dish, perfect for grilling! Juicy chicken marinated in a buttery, flavorful sauce makes every bite a delight.
Who knew chicken could also wear a cowboy hat? 🤠 I love serving these skewers with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a cheerful meal. They’re easy to whip up and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey breast or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great, but if you want to lighten it up a bit, consider using olive oil or even coconut oil. They’ll still provide a lovely flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really brings the dish to life, but garlic powder is a fine substitute. You’ll want about a teaspoon if using powder.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, or you can use a dash of chipotle powder for a different kind of spice.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but if you’re not a fan, you could try parsley or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving for a refreshing twist.
How to Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken on Skewers?
Cooking chicken skewers can be tricky! You want juicy chicken that’s not overcooked. Here are my tips:
- Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but longer is better! This really helps with tenderness and flavor.
- When skewering, leave a bit of space between pieces. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent steaming.
- Use medium-high heat on the grill. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks!
- Cook chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. Use a meat thermometer to check; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Basting occasionally with reserved marinade (or extra melted butter) keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Enjoy cooking these skewers! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small red chili or red pepper flakes, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for marinating. Cooking the skewers will take an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill or oven. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours if you’re letting the flavors really come through with the marinade!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chopped chicken pieces to the marinade. Mix well to make sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, let it sit for 3-4 hours if you can!
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If you’re using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a broiler pan for cooking.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. This helps the chicken get that perfect char!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a lovely charred look. If using the oven, broil for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. Baste for Extra Flavor:
While the skewers are cooking, you can baste them with any leftover marinade or a mix of extra melted butter with chopped cilantro and red chili to keep them moist and add more flavor!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra fresh chopped cilantro and finely chopped red chili or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the skewers hot alongside steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or your favorite sides. You can also provide a bowl of extra “cowboy butter” sauce for dipping—just mix more melted butter with herbs, garlic, and chili if desired. Enjoy the flavors of your Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep in mind that they can dry out more easily, so be sure not to overcook them. Keep an eye on them for about 8-10 minutes on the grill!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill or in the oven using a broiler pan. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a bit of butter or oil to maintain moisture if needed.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to skewer and grill it fresh for the best taste!