These Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are packed with juicy chicken marinated in a tasty butter sauce. Grilled to perfection, they have a delightful smoky flavor that makes every bite a treat!
Honestly, who can resist the charm of food on a stick? Just grab a skewer and enjoy the deliciousness without the fuss. I love serving them at parties, and they disappear super fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless skinless thighs for their juiciness, but you can opt for breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts might dry out if overcooked. Also, leftover rotisserie chicken can do the trick if you’re short on time!
Butter: Unsalted butter is key here for flavor control. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The taste will change slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely richness.
Spices: Smoked paprika brings a wonderful smoky flavor; if you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, but it won’t have that same depth. For the heat, adjust cayenne to your taste, or omit it completely if you’re cooking for kids!
Cilantro & Onion: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but feel free to use parsley if you’re not a fan. The red onion gives a nice crunch, but you can use green onions or even omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
How to Get Your Chicken Skewers Just Right?
Grilling chicken skewers perfectly is all about preparation and temperature. First, marinate the chicken well—this is where the flavor comes from!
- Make sure to let it marinate for at least an hour, but longer (up to 4 hours) makes a big difference in taste.
- When grilling, preheat your grill or pan. A hot surface ensures a nice sear and keeps your chicken juicy.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; turning them frequently can help get that beautiful char without overcooking. Aim for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Finally, always check the internal temperature! It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have one—it’s a real game-changer!
Your skewers will turn out flavorful and juicy, perfect for serving at your next cookout or casual dinner!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 small red onion, finely diced, for garnish
- Bamboo or metal skewers (soaked if bamboo)
Optional Side Dips:
- Ranch or a creamy herb dip
- Fresh tomato salsa (diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (3-4 hours for best flavor!). Grilling will take about 10-15 minutes, so you could have these skewers ready in about 1.5 hours if you plan things right!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cowboy Butter Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter. Then add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well to make sure every piece is coated in that delicious buttery mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate for 3-4 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on your chicken skewers and keeps them juicy inside.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them snugly but not too tight. This spacing allows for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. To check doneness, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you have any leftover marinade, feel free to brush it over the skewers while grilling for added flavor.
6. Serve Your Skewers:
Once grilled, transfer the chicken skewers to a platter. Sprinkle them generously with freshly chopped cilantro and diced red onion. They’re ready to impress!
7. Enjoy With Dips:
Serve the skewers right away with your choice of creamy herb dip and fresh tomato salsa. They go perfectly with warm flatbread or grilled corn as well!
Enjoy these smoky, buttery chicken skewers. They’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary—shrimp will cook much faster, while beef may require longer to reach your desired doneness.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours. If you’re planning ahead, you can marinate it overnight in the fridge, just make sure to give it a good stir to distribute the marinade well.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers? Can I Bake the Chicken Instead?
If you don’t have skewers, you can absolutely bake the marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out. If you have a grill pan or broiler, those work as great alternatives too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will help keep them crispy!