Introduction
If you love chicken wings that are full of flavor and a little bit of spice, then you will fall in love with Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings. This recipe is all about crispy chicken wings covered in a creamy, buttery sauce with garlic, lemon, and a mix of tasty spices.
Cowboy butter is famous for being rich, zesty, and slightly spicy, making it perfect for dipping or coating your wings. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to make these wings. This recipe is simple, quick, and uses ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen. You can serve these at game nights, family dinners, or weekend barbecues.
Ingredients – Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Process – Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This helps them get crispy.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss until they are well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Wings
In the Oven:
- Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning them halfway through so they cook evenly.
In the Air Fryer:
- Place the wings in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Wings and Sauce
- Once the wings are cooked and crispy, place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the cowboy butter sauce over the wings.
- Toss the wings until they are coated in the buttery, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping. You can also add lemon wedges or fresh parsley for garnish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best crispiness.
Q2: Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it 1–2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before tossing with wings.
Q3: Can I make them less spicy?
Of course. Simply skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to your liking.
Q4: What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings?
They go great with fries, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.
Q5: Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Yes! Grill them over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, turning often, then toss with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are the perfect mix of crispy, buttery, tangy, and slightly spicy goodness. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Whether you’re hosting friends, having a family dinner, or just craving something delicious, these wings will be a hit every single time. So, put on your apron, grab your chicken wings, and let’s bring a little cowboy flavor to your kitchen!
