Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings: Crispy, Zesty, and Irresistible

If you’re looking for the perfect chicken wings recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing, you’ve come to the right place. Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of crispy fried wings smothered in a bold, zesty, and buttery sauce packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus. These wings are not only a flavor bomb but also easy to prepare for any occasion—game day, family dinners, or weekend indulgence.

What Is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy Butter is a versatile, savory sauce traditionally made with:

• Melted butter
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Shallots
• Horseradish
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and thyme)

This sauce is served warm, making it perfect for drizzling over steaks, dipping cornbread, or—like in this recipe—tossing with fried chicken wings. Its rich, tangy, and aromatic profile elevates any dish it touches.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

• Flavor-Packed: The zesty cowboy butter is the star of this dish, delivering buttery richness with a hint of citrus and herbs.
• Crispy Perfection: These wings are fried to golden crispiness before being tossed in the butter sauce.
• Simple to Make: With basic ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is approachable even for beginners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this mouthwatering dish, gather the following:

• 5 pounds fresh whole chicken wings (approximately 12 whole wings)
• Vegetable oil (enough to fill a pot halfway for frying)
• 1 recipe Cowboy Butter (see below)

Cowboy Butter Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Break Down the Wings:
   • Using a sharp knife, cut the tips off the wings and save them for chicken stock.
   • Cut through the joint to separate each wing into two pieces—the drumette and the flat.
2. Dry the Wings:
   • Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness when fried.
3. Rest at Room Temperature:
   • Let the wings sit uncovered at room temperature while you prepare the cowboy butter.

2. Make the Cowboy Butter

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk in the lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, horseradish, shallots, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, salt, and black pepper.
4. Keep the cowboy butter warm until ready to use.

3. Fry the Chicken Wings

1. Heat the Oil:
   • Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven halfway with vegetable oil.
   • Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature stays consistent.
2. Fry the Wings:
   • Working in batches, fry 6-8 pieces at a time. Pat the wings dry again with paper towels before placing them in the oil.
   • For smaller pieces, fry for 6 minutes. For larger pieces (like drumettes), fry for 8 minutes.
   • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F.
3. Drain the Wings:
   • Use a spider skimmer or tongs to remove the wings and place them on a wire rack over a sheet tray. This helps them stay crispy.
4. Keep Warm:
   • Preheat your oven to 250°F to keep fried wings warm between batches.

4. Toss in Cowboy Butter

1. Once the wings are fried and drained, place them in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle a ladle of warm cowboy butter over the wings and toss to coat them evenly.
3. Repeat the process for each batch, ensuring all wings are smothered in that buttery goodness.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the wings hot, with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.
• Garnish with additional fresh parsley and chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

1. Dry the Wings Thoroughly: Moisture prevents crispiness, so pat the wings dry before frying.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F.
3. Reheat with Cowboy Butter: If the wings cool down, toss them again in warm cowboy butter before serving.
4. Add Heat: For spicier wings, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter.

What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

These wings pair perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Crispy French Fries
• Coleslaw
• Garlic Bread
• Cornbread
• Fresh Veggies and Ranch Dip

For drinks, consider serving with a chilled beer, lemonade, or a refreshing iced tea to balance the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat wings in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Toss them with a little warmed cowboy butter before serving.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors and crispy textures. The combination of juicy fried chicken wings and the zesty, herbaceous cowboy butter sauce makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

So, grab your napkins, serve up a plate of these buttery wings, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds!