Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery, savory coating: The “cowboy butter” sauce is rich, garlicky, and herb-packed.
Crispy wings: Baked or fried wings with a perfect crispy texture.
Simple ingredients: Easy to make with pantry staples.
Great for entertaining: Crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Customizable heat: Adjust spice levels to your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken wings (whole or drumettes and flats)
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Fresh parsley
Fresh chives
Lemon juice
Smoked paprika
Chili powder or cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper

Directions

Prepare wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder or cayenne.
Cook wings: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40-45 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Alternatively, deep-fry wings until golden and crispy.
Make cowboy butter sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, and additional smoked paprika or chili powder. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Toss wings: Place cooked wings in a large bowl. Pour the cowboy butter sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with extra chopped herbs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Spicy boost: Add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the butter sauce.
Grilled wings: Cook wings on the grill for smoky flavor.
Herb swaps: Use cilantro or thyme instead of parsley and chives.
Garlic lovers: Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Honey twist: Drizzle honey in the sauce for a sweet and spicy combo.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness.
Freezing: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer for up to 1 month; reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best results.

How do I get crispy wings without frying?

Baking at a high temperature and patting wings dry before cooking helps crispness.

Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead?

Yes, prepare sauce in advance and warm gently before tossing with wings.

Are these wings spicy?

They have a mild to medium heat, adjustable by chili powder or cayenne amount.

Can I grill the wings?

Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo complement these wings nicely.

Can I use wing flats or drumettes?

Either works; cooking time is similar.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, it uses butter; substitute with dairy-free margarine if needed.

How long do leftover wings stay good?

Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just adjust cooking times and pan sizes.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are a deliciously rich and flavorful take on classic wings, with a buttery, garlicky sauce that elevates every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these wings will quickly become a favorite at your gatherings or game day parties.