When chicken wings meet cowboy butter, you know you’re in for something wildly addictive. These Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are spicy, buttery, garlicky, and herb-loaded with just the right zing of lemon and mustard. Perfectly crispy from the oven or air fryer, they’re the kind of wings that disappear in minutes at any gathering.

The real magic is in the sauce: a rich blend of melted butter, fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and a touch of heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Brush it generously on crispy wings and watch everyone come back for seconds—or thirds.

What Makes Cowboy Butter So Good on Chicken Wings?

Cowboy butter is a bold condiment that brings together everything savory and tangy in one punchy mixture. It was originally used for grilled steak, but it turns out chicken wings love it just as much. The richness of the butter soaks into the crispy wing skin, while the fresh garlic and herbs keep things bright and balanced. The lemon juice and Dijon add zing, and the spices give just the right kick.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

How To Make the Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Preheat oven to 425°F (or use an air fryer at 400°F). Pat the wings dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry

Spread wings out on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. In the air fryer, cook in a single layer for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.

Step 3: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

While the wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in mustard, garlic, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, lemon zest, juice, and paprika. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm cowboy butter sauce over and toss well to coat. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Serve these wings hot right out of the oven or air fryer. They pair beautifully with cool ranch, celery sticks, or even a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For drinks, cold beer or a lemony iced tea are perfect.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm and crisp again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake or air fry the wings ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat with the cowboy butter sauce when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

Whole grain mustard or yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but Dijon adds the best flavor punch.

Are these wings spicy?

They do have a mild kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version.

Can I grill the wings?

Absolutely. Grilling adds an extra smoky depth that pairs great with the cowboy butter.

Is cowboy butter good on other meats?

Yes! Try it on steak, shrimp, or even grilled corn. It’s a flavor booster for all kinds of dishes.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings, check out more crowd-pleasing bites:

Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a cheesy, spicy handheld treat.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken that melts in your mouth.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl with bold heat and creamy sauce.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for all the layered comfort.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles that keeps things easy and delicious.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

And don’t forget to let me know how they turned out. Did you go full spice or keep it mild? Try it with grilled wings instead of baked? I’d love to hear how you made them yours.

Comments and questions welcome—let’s wing it together!

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden chicken wings tossed in a buttery, herb-loaded cowboy butter sauce with a tangy kick of lemon and mustard. These Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are perfect for game days, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a bold, finger-licking snack.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (or air fryer to 400°F). Pat the wings dry with paper towels, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. For air fryer, cook 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, lemon zest, juice, and smoked paprika. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

4. Transfer cooked wings to a bowl. Pour cowboy butter sauce over wings and toss to coat. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.