If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that combines crunch, flavor, and that wonderfully rich buttery goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s exactly what you want when comfort food meets a little bit of indulgence. Picture juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crispy crust that’s soaked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of honey and tangy lemon. This Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe balances a crispy exterior with a perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth interior, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe shines because its ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. Combining spices, dairy, and a few pantry staples results in a dish that’s bursting with both crispy and buttery magic.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both work beautifully here.
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tang and moisture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds mild pungency and depth to both marinade and coating.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings smoky warmth and a gorgeous color to the crust.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning the chicken thoroughly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to enhance the spices.
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: The base for a crunchy, sturdy coating.
- 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch: This makes the crust extra crispy and light.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Infuses a subtle savory nuance in the coating.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, bringing richness and a silky finish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant, fresh garlic flavor into the butter sauce.
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional): Just a tiny kick that wakes up the sauce — adjust to your own spice love.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Provides a hint of umami and saltiness to complete the butter sauce.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is your first flavor layer and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour — or overnight if you have time — to let that flavor soak deep into the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While your chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination is what creates that irresistible crispy crust, with cornstarch offering an extra crunch that sets this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe apart from your average fried chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off — you don’t want soggy batter. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating clings well to every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until the crust turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This frying step locks in juiciness and guarantees that crunchy, golden exterior everyone will rave about.
Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red chili flakes, allowing their flavors to infuse the butter with warm aromas. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. This sauce is the moment when crispy meets silky, sweet meets spicy, creating a luscious coating that elevates this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe to a new level of deliciousness.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle or brush the butter sauce over the fried chicken immediately after frying. For an even bolder flavor, toss the chicken pieces gently in the sauce to coat every crispy bite. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or finely sliced red chili on top just before serving. These garnishes brighten the dish visually and add a burst of herbal or spicy freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Soft, buttery mashed potatoes make an incredible accompaniment, as they soak up the extra sauce beautifully. Alternatively, serve with steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness of the chicken and bring contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe over a bed of garlic fried rice or alongside sautéed greens for a colorful, balanced plate. For a fun twist, use the chicken pieces in sliders with crisp lettuce and a smear of mayo for a satisfying handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness without it turning soggy overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked crispy butter chicken for up to 2 months by wrapping each piece tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken pieces in a hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness. Reheat the butter sauce gently on the stovetop and drizzle generously over the warm chicken just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and yield a leaner option, but be mindful to not overcook them since they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?
Buttermilk is fantastic for tenderizing and adding flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?
You can, but frying gives the signature crunch that this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe is known for. If baking, coat well and bake in a hot oven on a wire rack for best results to maintain crispness.
Is the red chili flakes spice level adjustable?
Definitely! Red chili flakes are optional and you can modify the amount to suit your taste—from leaving them out for mild flavor to adding a bit more heat for a spicy kick.
How can I make the butter sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the butter sauce gently for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly or add a pinch of cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make and share this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe as I am to tell you all about it. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion with its bold flavors and comforting textures. Once you try it, I bet it’ll quickly become a go-to for satisfying, crispy, buttery indulgence. So grab those ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and get ready for a dinner that everyone will be talking about!
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Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Butter Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture, coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend, and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a rich, garlicky butter sauce enhanced with honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, it’s a delightful combination of crispy texture and savory-sweet flavor that serves 4 people.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Crispy Coating
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to develop flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Crispy Coating: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy outer texture.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece evenly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring a proper coating for crispiness.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each piece for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and optional red chili flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, combining well to create a flavorful sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle or brush the butter sauce over the fried chicken pieces. Toss gently if desired to coat them evenly in the sauce. Serve immediately for a deliciously crispy and buttery chicken dish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will result in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for optimal crispiness and to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
- Adjust the red chili flakes quantity based on your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping coated chicken back into the marinade and then flour mixture again before frying.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in an oven to help retain crispiness instead of microwaving.
