Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened at room temperature); 1 Tbsp dijon mustard; 1 Tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped); 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 small clove garlic (grated); 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 8 wooden skewers (6 inches long); 1.25 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Chopped parsley

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If you’re craving something flavorful and addicting, these Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are about to become your new go-to easy meal!

Chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then brushed with a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce that’s loaded with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a hint of heat.

This easy cowboy butter recipe takes just minutes to whip up, but it packs a punch of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Table of Contents

What Are Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers?

If you’ve never had cowboy butter chicken skewers, think of it as the ultimate mash-up of juicy grilled-style chicken and the famous cowboy butter recipe.

Cowboy butter is a savory, herb-infused compound butter with garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, mustard, and spices, and it’s insanely versatile—people use it on everything from steak to seafood.

Here, I'm using it to coat tender air-fried chicken skewers, giving them a buttery, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that makes every bite irresistible.

Why You'll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Bold, zesty flavors: The cowboy butter sauce brings layers of garlic, lemon, and herbs that make the chicken taste next-level delicious.
Quick and easy: Using the air fryer means you can cook all your skewers in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can tweak the cowboy butter recipe or add your favorite veggies to the skewers without much effort.
Versatile serving options: They’re great on their own, with rice, in wraps, or even on top of salads.

If you like this chicken recipe, then check out my Honey Butter Chicken and Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken recipes!

Ingredients

Cowboy Butter

Unsalted Butter: The creamy base of the cowboy butter, carrying all the flavors of the herbs and spices.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp note that balances the richness of the butter.
Fresh Chives: Adds mild onion-like freshness to the cowboy butter recipe.
Fresh Parsley: Provides brightness and a pop of color to the sauce.
Dried Thyme: A subtle earthy herb that enhances the butter’s depth.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives bold, savory flavor.
Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice: Add fresh citrus notes that cut through the butter’s richness.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a slightly smoky depth to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle kick of spice to the cowboy butter.
Salt & Black Pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.

Chicken Skewers

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into cubes for tender, juicy bites.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasonings stick.
Garlic Powder: Adds extra savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Wooden Skewers: The perfect vessel for easy air frying and serving. Make sure to soak these for at least 20 mins before cooking so they don't catch on fire or burn when cooking!

Garnish

Chopped Parsley: Adds a final touch of freshness and color.

Customizations

Swap the chicken: Try this cowboy butter recipe with chicken thighs or shrimp
Add veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions can be threaded onto the skewers with the chicken.
Adjust the heat: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier cowboy butter sauce or tone it down for a milder version.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers

Soak the Skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during air frying or grilling.

Make the Cowboy Butter:

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Season the Chicken:

In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread about 6–7 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.

Air Fry the Skewers:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the skewers in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If using an oven, bake the chicken skewers at 400°F for 20-23 mins until internal temperature reaches 165F.

If grilling, grill the skewers for 8-10 mins, turning every 2-3 mins, until the chicken is lightly charred and fully cooked

Brush with Cowboy Butter:

While still warm, generously brush the chicken skewers with cowboy butter. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve:

Serve warm with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.

Storage

These cowboy butter chicken skewers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips

Room temperature butter is key: It blends smoothly with the herbs and spices to make a creamy cowboy butter sauce.
Cook in batches if needed: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent the chicken from getting that golden finish.
Brush while warm: The cowboy butter melts perfectly into the chicken when applied right after cooking.

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