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Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Bite-sized cubes of chicken are threaded onto skewers and brushed with olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying for crisp, juicy results. Once cooked through, the skewers are finished with a generous drizzle of cowboy butter, a flavorful mix of melted butter, herbs, and spices. Garnished with fresh parsley, these chicken skewers can be quickly air-fried, baked, or grilled, making them a versatile option for gatherings or easy dinners. Enjoy warm with your favorite dips or paired with fresh side dishes for a satisfying meal.

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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 15:39:42 GMT
A bowl of sauce next to a plate of chicken skewers. Pin it
A bowl of sauce next to a plate of chicken skewers. | magichouserecipes.com

Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers make an irresistibly juicy and flavorful main or appetizer. Bite-sized chicken cubes are quickly air fried then drizzled with herb-packed cowboy butter for an easy meal that tastes like a cookout classic even on a weeknight. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and you can prep it in less than half an hour.

Family and friends always ask for seconds when I bring these out for game nights or BBQs. I first made a batch for a neighborhood potluck and the platter was empty in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose fresh or organic for the best flavor and texture
  • Extra virgin olive oil: helps the seasonings stick and keeps the chicken moist during cooking
  • Kosher salt: use coarse salt for even seasoning
  • Black pepper: freshly ground gives a little heat and depth
  • Cowboy butter: melted look for high quality butter and fresh herbs for the best taste
  • Wooden skewers: soaked to prevent burning during cooking
  • Fresh parsley: chopped as a bright and fresh garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Skewers:
Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least thirty minutes so they do not scorch during cooking
Cube and Season the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into one-inch cubes Arrange in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil salt and pepper to coat each piece evenly
Thread the Chicken:
Take a soaked skewer and carefully slide four to five chicken pieces onto it Leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly
Cooking in the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket Cook for about eleven to twelve minutes flipping halfway through The chicken is done when the pieces reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and have a golden brown exterior
Drizzle with Cowboy Butter:
Remove the cooked skewers from the air fryer Place them on a serving platter and immediately drizzle generously with melted cowboy butter Use a pastry brush to make sure all sides are coated
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with extra cowboy butter on the side if you like
A tray of chicken skewers with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A tray of chicken skewers with a dipping sauce. | magichouserecipes.com

The cowboy butter is so flavorful I often double the amount to have some on hand for dipping bread or roasted veggies I remember my niece begging for the last skewer once and licking that extra butter right off the plate

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat use the oven or air fryer to restore a little crispness Avoid microwaving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer you can use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier bite Swap out parsley for cilantro or chives based on what you have on hand If cowboy butter is not available you can melt regular butter and add your favorite herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or pile the skewers on a platter with grilled veggies and corn salad for a casual meal They are also perfect tucked into warm pita with greens and a drizzle of extra cowboy butter

Cultural context

Cowboy butter is a French inspired American recipe combining butter with mustard garlic and lots of herbs It grew popular as a steakhouse condiment but works beautifully on chicken or even shrimp These skewers feel just right for feeding a crowd in backyard cookout style

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is cowboy butter?

Cowboy butter is a savory compound butter made by blending melted butter with fresh herbs, spices, and sometimes citrus juice for added flavor.

→ Can I bake or grill the skewers?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven or grill them over medium-high heat, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

→ How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps protect them from heat damage during cooking.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

→ What are the best sides to serve with these skewers?

Serve with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or rice to complement the savory flavors of the chicken and butter.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken skewers glazed with savory cowboy butter, served as an appetizer or satisfying main course.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
21 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 chicken skewers)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Skewers and Chicken

01 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
02 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Seasoning

03 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce and Garnish

06 ½ cup cowboy butter, melted
07 Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

To a large bowl, add chicken cubes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 02

Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer, leaving a small gap between pieces.

Step 03

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the skewers in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 04

Remove the skewers from the air fryer and place on a serving platter. Drizzle or brush with melted cowboy butter. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Step 05

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thread seasoned chicken onto skewers and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove, brush with cowboy butter, and garnish with parsley.

Step 06

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Thread seasoned chicken onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the grill, brush with cowboy butter, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
  2. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Air fryer
  • Wooden skewers
  • Tongs
  • Pastry brush

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 209
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~