Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers are cubes of chicken, air-fried to perfection, then drizzled with cowboy butter, a compound butter made with herbs and spices. These chicken skewers, which can also be baked in the oven or grilled, can be served as an appetizer or as the main course with side dishes. I also have Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, also made in the air fryer, that you may want to try.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: When cutting the chicken breasts into smaller pieces, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Cowboy Butter: Cowboy butter is a type of compound butter made by blending various flavors, including herbs and spices, into butter. It has a touch of heat from cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes, making it perfect as a dip or spread. This flavorful butter brings a tasty and zesty kick to dishes like these chicken skewers. Once you taste it, you will want to make more for Cowboy Mushrooms, Cowboy Sliders, and my Rodeo Burger, just to name a few!
Wooden Skewers vs Metal Skewers
You can use either wooden or metal skewers for these kebabs, even in the air fryer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking. For metal skewers, ensure they fit into the basket of your air fryer. To shorten wooden skewers, you can break them in half.
Can I Make The Cowboy Butter Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! Once the butter has been made, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then, after cooking the chicken skewers, melt the butter to drizzle over the chicken.
What To Serve With Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Cowboy butter chicken skewers pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few delicious options:
- Roasted asparagus
- Roasted green beans
- Shredded Brussels sprouts
- Mashed potatoes (or Cauliflower mashed)
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Roasted potato salad
How To Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
To store leftover chicken skewers, first, let the chicken cool completely. Next, if preferred, remove the chicken from the skewers. (This can save you room when storing.) Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stovetop.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cowboy butter, melted
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add chicken, oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Air fry* at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle or brush with the melted cowboy butter. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, then onto the lined baking sheet.
- Cook the chicken skewers for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the oven. Brush with the butter. Garnish with parsley. Serve.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush with the butter. Garnish with parsley. Serve.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These cowboy butter skewers are wow…just wow. They are SOO full of flavor. You might want to make a double batch because these are going to fly off the plate.
Elizabeth
This might be some of the most flavorful chicken I have ever had! The melted cowboy butter really sets each bite apart. You need to try it!
Selena
These blew me away. I didn't realize a chicken skewer could be so delicious and so flavorful. That cowboy butter makes these divine.
that cowboy butter is outta this world. Everyone should beleive you when you say its the best!! wow, i made it, we ate it, and then I made more because I want to add it to more things this weekend. Thank you 10/10
I would like to have the cowboy butter recipe, please.
https://iamhomesteader.com/cowboy-butter/