Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe: A Fiery Summer Favorite for the Grill

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe: Crispy, Bold & Butter-Soaked

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about chicken wings sizzling fresh off the grill—especially during peak summer evenings with the scent of herbs and charred meat in the air. This Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings recipe takes that feeling and layers it with bold flavor: juicy wings tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. It’s smoky, zesty, and herb-packed—the kind of dish that becomes a repeat request.

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My Nonna, though Italian to her roots, had a deep love for American BBQ culture. She was always eager to blend traditions, and cowboy butter would have been right up her alley. If she were still here, I know she’d insist on doubling the garlic!

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard party or looking for a flavor-packed game-day snack, this cowboy butter chicken wings recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

📝 Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 6

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 55 minutes

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Cuisine: American

  • Season: Summer

  • Focus Keyword: cowboy butter chicken wings recipe

🔥 What Is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a savory, melted butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, lemon, mustard, and a pinch of chili heat. It’s typically served as a dipping sauce for steak, but it works magic on everything from grilled vegetables to seafood. Wikipedia’s page on butter sauces (DoFollow) highlights how compound butters like this one have been used to enhance proteins for centuries.

The sauce gets its name from its bold, rugged flavor—ideal for grilled meats. In this cowboy butter chicken wings recipe, it becomes a game-changing glaze that clings to every crispy crevice of the wing.

For more versatile, flavor-packed meals, browse our Easy Dinner Ideas collection.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 3 lbs chicken wings, split at joints and tips removed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • Juice + zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tbsp chopped chives

  • 1 tsp thyme leaves

  • Salt + pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

1. Season the Wings

Pat wings dry thoroughly using paper towels. Moisture prevents crisping, so this step is essential. Toss in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Wings

Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange wings on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until cooked through and charred.

For extra crisp, broil wings for 2–3 minutes or sear directly over flame.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, mustard, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, chives, thyme, and season to taste.

4. Toss & Serve

Place hot wings in a large bowl. Pour cowboy butter over the top and toss until fully coated. Serve with extra sauce and lemon wedges.

🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

  • Dry = Crispy: Always pat your wings completely dry before seasoning.

  • Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

  • Layer Flavor: Season wings before cooking, then finish with cowboy butter for bold flavor in every bite.

  • Air Fry Option: Cook wings at 400°F for 25 minutes in an air fryer, shaking halfway through.

For more easy air fryer and oven-baked dishes, visit our Easy Dinner Ideas.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This cowboy butter chicken wings recipe pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled Elote (DoFollow) – Sweet, smoky, and perfect with tangy butter.

  • Creamy Apple Slaw – Crisp and refreshing.

  • Skillet Baked Beans – Rich and hearty.

  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A savory classic.

Make it a meal with any side from our Easy Dinner Ideas archive.

🌀 Variations & Substitutions

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based butter.

  • Herbs: Use basil or cilantro for a different aromatic profile.

  • Mustard Swap: Try whole grain mustard for texture.

  • Zest it Up: Add lime instead of lemon for a fresh twist.

Want more customizable dishes? Explore our full recipe archive for flavor-forward mains.

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm wings in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 5 minutes at 375°F.

  • Avoid Microwave: It will soften the crispy texture.

Leftover cowboy butter? Drizzle over vegetables, rice bowls, or even steak tacos!

💬 Join the Conversation

Tried this cowboy butter chicken wings recipe? I’d love to hear your twist—did you go smokier, spicier, or squeeze in a little maple for sweetness?

Tag your creations using #SummerWings or tag @SarahsSeasonedKitchen on Instagram. Reader creations are featured monthly!

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Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe