Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken – Out Grilling
Introduction
Nothing says flavor-packed summer cooking like Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken. This dish takes tender, juicy grilled chicken and bathes it in a zesty, herby cowboy butter sauce—infused with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and plenty of fresh herbs. The result is a next-level barbecue meal, guaranteed to wow your guests and become a backyard staple. Simple to prepare and bold in taste, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or weekend cookouts.
The Unmatched Allure of Cowboy Butter Chicken
What makes this Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken stand out? It’s the lip-smacking combination of flame-grilled chicken and cowboy butter’s rich, tangy, savory flavors. This sauce melts over the freshly grilled chicken, soaking into every bite with notes of fresh parsley, lemon, and a gentle chili kick. It’s a mouthwatering centerpiece that elevates even the simplest cookout into something special.
Crafting the Perfect Cowboy Butter Sauce
To create this iconic cowboy butter, combine softened butter with a mix of minced garlic, lemon juice, spicy Dijon mustard, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and thyme), a splash of hot sauce, and a hint of chili flakes. The sauce is whisked until creamy and spreadable, then slathered over hot-off-the-grill chicken for incredible flavor in each bite. Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld for an extra punch.
How to Grill Cowboy Butter Chicken to Perfection
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick, even grilling. Season the chicken simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling over medium-high heat. Once cooked through with appetizing grill marks, top generously with cowboy butter. The heat from the chicken melts the butter into an irresistible sauce, perfect for mopping up with a hunk of bread or grilled corn.
Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Cowboy Butter Chicken
Serve your Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken family-style, topped with extra cowboy butter and fresh lemon wedges. Pair it with roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a summery side salad for a complete meal. Leftover cowboy butter is fantastic drizzled over grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or even as a bread spread—it’s a versatile upgrade for any meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4, with each portion offering approximately 370 calories (depending on the cut of chicken and amount of sauce used). It’s rich in protein and a source of heart-healthy fats—just the thing for an occasional indulgence at your next grill session.
Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken Recap
Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken is everything you want in an outdoor meal: bold, buttery, herbaceous, and just the right amount of spicy. Impress your family and friends with this easy-yet-memorable recipe that’s destined to become a new grilling favorite.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly blended.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until cooked through and nicely charred. An internal temperature of 165°F ensures the chicken is done.
- Immediately after removing from the grill, generously spread the cowboy butter over the hot chicken. The residual heat will melt the butter, creating a luscious sauce.
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is ideal for batch-cooking and meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which nights you’ll serve it and automatically generate smart shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your weekly recipes.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredient quantities for all recipes at once
- Organizes your list by store section for easy shopping
- Avoids ingredient oversights and reduces food waste
- Simplifies your weeknight dinner routine
Pro tip: Batch-cook extra cowboy butter and keep it in the fridge—it pairs with many proteins and sides! When planning your week, schedule multiple recipes to discover how your shopping list auto-adjusts based on all selected meals.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy your Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken—out grilling and eating smartly all week long!