Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings combine rich, buttery flavors with smoky spices for a truly irresistible appetizer. These wings are crispy, tender, and packed with bold taste, perfect for game day or any casual gathering.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 5: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet.
- Step 6: Remove the wings from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Step 7: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 8: Optional – During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, baste the wings with any remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
- Step 9: For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and cook the wings for an additional 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 10: Remove the wings from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- To make cleanup easier, use parchment paper instead of foil on the baking sheet.
- Try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping alongside the optional hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes, grilling works well. Cook the wings over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently, until fully cooked and crispy.
Do I need to marinate the wings overnight?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is sufficient for good flavor, but overnight marinating will deepen the taste and tenderness even more.
PrintCowboy Butter Chicken Wings: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are a savory and flavorful dish featuring crispy oven-baked wings drenched in a rich, buttery marinade seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cayenne for a spicy kick. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these wings offer a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and buttery goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including 1 hour marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
Marinade
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a Baking Sheet: Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of it.
- Arrange the Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack. This helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Bake: Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Optional – During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, you can baste the wings with any remaining marinade for added flavor and moisture.
- Broil for Crispness: If you desire extra crispiness, switch to broil mode for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Garnish: Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the wings.
- Using a wire rack allows the fat to drip away and promotes crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Broiling at the end helps achieve extra crispy skin but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for added heat if desired.
Keywords: chicken wings, cowboy butter wings, baked chicken wings, spicy chicken wings, game day recipes, oven baked wings, buttery chicken wings

