Name: Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Golden, garlicky, and absolutely packed with bold flavor—Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are everything you didn’t know your next get-together needed. Imagine juicy, crisp-edged wings coated in a spicy, herby, buttery sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe delivers that irresistible savory heat that makes everyone reach for seconds (and thirds).

What makes these wings stand out is the cowboy butter itself—a compound butter that combines garlic, herbs, lemon, Dijon, and a kick of heat. Melted over hot wings, it infuses every piece with next-level flavor. Whether you’re tailgating, hosting game night, or just want a standout appetizer, these wings deserve center stage.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings to perfection, you’ll need a few key tools that make all the difference:

Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring a crispy finish without deep-frying.
Mixing Bowls: For seasoning the wings and preparing the cowboy butter mixture.
Small Saucepan: Used to melt and blend the cowboy butter ingredients into a cohesive sauce.

Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Essential for tossing the wings evenly in the butter.
Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Each tool serves a role in creating wings that are both crisp and flavor-loaded, making the prep and cleanup seamless. Let’s get to the fun part next: flavor-packed ingredients.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings: The star of the show. Choose party wings (flats and drumettes) for quicker, even cooking.
Butter (unsalted): Forms the base of the cowboy butter. Rich and melty, it soaks into the wings with flavor.
Garlic (minced): Essential for bold, aromatic depth.

Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of green and brightness to the butter.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a zesty tang and helps emulsify the butter sauce.
Lemon Juice + Zest: Cuts through the richness with vibrant acidity.

Red Pepper Flakes: For that signature cowboy butter kick.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled taste.
Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and season both the wings and the butter.

Olive Oil: Helps the wings crisp up in the oven.

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the wings dry with paper towels—this step is key to achieving a crispy texture. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until fully coated.

Step 2: Bake for Crispy Perfection

Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want golden, crispy skin with juicy insides.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter

While the wings bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors bloom. Keep warm.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once wings are cooked, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the hot cowboy butter over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

These wings are best served fresh out of the oven, while the skin is still crisp and the cowboy butter is silky and warm. Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or a side of celery sticks for a classic touch—or serve them solo with lemon wedges for added zest.

To store leftovers, place cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings?

They have a moderate kick, thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking.

What else can I use cowboy butter on?

It’s fantastic on steak, shrimp, corn on the cob, or even roasted vegetables. Make extra!

Can I grill the wings instead?

Absolutely. Grill them over medium-high heat until crispy and fully cooked, then toss in cowboy butter.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can try using plant-based butter, though the flavor and richness may vary slightly.

How do I keep wings from getting soggy when reheating?

Use the oven or an air fryer to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings, check out some other delicious recipes that bring the heat and flavor:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy-cheesy comfort option.

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot if you want something hands-off and savory.
Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps for a quick spicy fix.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want chicken done rich and indulgent.

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for buttery, skillet-seared satisfaction.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it mellow? Maybe added a twist to the cowboy butter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

More daily recipes here: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are baked until crispy and tossed in a bold, buttery garlic-herb sauce with just the right kick of heat. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or a flavorful appetizer any time.