Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that’s outrageously golden and crunchy on the outside, yet juicy and deliciously tender within, all drenched in a lush, creamy, spiced tomato butter sauce. That’s the sheer magic of Crispy Butter Chicken—my ultimate comfort food and a true showstopper for family dinners and friendly gatherings alike. With its irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken and rich, aromatic sauce, this dish takes your tastebuds on a vibrant journey. Whether you’re looking to add excitement to a weeknight meal or impress guests with a twist on an Indian-inspired classic, Crispy Butter Chicken is bound to earn rave reviews every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet vital, bringing its own bit of magic. From the tenderizing touch of buttermilk to the golden crunch of the coating, every component adds to the wonderful layered flavors and perfect texture of Crispy Butter Chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Go for thighs for extra juiciness or breasts if you prefer a leaner cut—either way, slice into bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness.
- Buttermilk: This is the secret to tender chicken, as it breaks down proteins and gives an extra depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle garlicky base in the marinade for that classic savory backbone.
- Paprika: Adds warm color and a hint of earthiness that really pops in the final bite.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A touch of heat for the marinade—freshly cracked is best.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the main structure for that crunchy fried coating.
- Cornstarch: Gives a lighter, crispier texture to the outer crust, making every bite shatteringly good.
- Baking powder: Just a touch helps puff up the coating for an irresistible crunch.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like canola or sunflower for clean, crisp results.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of the butter sauce—rich, silky, and utterly luscious.
- Garlic (fresh): Brings punchy aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Grated fresh ginger: A dash of zing that brightens up the sauce beautifully.
- Chili flakes (optional): For heat seekers, these add a spicy kick to the sauce—but feel free to skip or add to taste.
- Tomato sauce: The creamy, tangy backbone of the signature buttery sauce.
- Heavy cream: Rounds everything out with a luxurious, smooth finish.
- Sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly harmonious sauce.
- Salt (for sauce): Season to taste for buttery bliss.
- Fresh chopped cilantro: The finishing touch—vivid color and a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces, making sure each one is well-coated, and let them soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, leaving them overnight in the fridge will make them extra tender and tasty. This simple marinade is the first step toward that signature juicy center.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This mix is your shortcut to outrageous crunch! Dredge each marinated piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly—don’t be shy, you want every nook and cranny covered. The mix of flour and cornstarch is what helps turn Crispy Butter Chicken into a true crave-worthy treat.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for 5–6 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re golden, crispy, and cooked through. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate, so they stay nice and crunchy. The sizzle and aroma will have everyone hovering in anticipation!
Step 4: Make the Signature Butter Sauce
In a large sauté pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and, if you like a bit of heat, chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute, then stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens just a little—this is where the magic happens, and the kitchen starts to smell incredible.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Add the crispy fried chicken to the buttery sauce and toss gently to coat every piece. Don’t leave the chicken in too long—you want it to soak up the sauce, but still keep that crunchy shell. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro, pile it onto a platter, and serve immediately for maximum wow factor.
How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh chopped cilantro adds herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. For an extra punch, scatter over a pinch of chili flakes or paper-thin slices of red onion. If you want a pop of color, a few wedges of lime on the side don’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
Serve your Crispy Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan for soaking up every drop of the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens are fantastic for a bit of freshness and contrast—or serve alongside a classic cucumber and tomato salad to lighten up the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piling the chicken onto mini slider buns and drizzle with extra sauce for the ultimate party snack. Or, serve it over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes for a fusion comfort food experience. Feeling bold? Stack the pieces on a platter with skewers and let everyone dip into extra sauce—you’ll be the hero of the day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Butter Chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, store the fried chicken and sauce separately to help preserve the crispiness.
Freezing
Fried chicken pieces freeze well—let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. The sauce can also be frozen, but be sure to stir well when reheating as the cream may separate slightly.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, reheat chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer until sizzling, then gently warm the sauce on the stovetop. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving, and you’re right back in Crispy Butter Chicken heaven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both breasts and thighs work wonderfully in Crispy Butter Chicken. Thighs will give you extra juiciness, while breasts are a bit leaner—just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent over-drying.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Simply add more chili flakes to the sauce or stir in a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with sliced chilies on the side if you’re cooking for a mix of spice lovers.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
While baking won’t give the exact same crunch, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack in a hot oven (425°F) for about 20-25 minutes, spraying with a little oil to help them crisp up.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The butter sauce actually gets even better as it sits. Make it a day ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat gently before tossing with freshly fried chicken.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil are ideal for frying Crispy Butter Chicken, as they handle high heat well and won’t affect the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion—bring a burst of color, crunch, and comfort to your table with Crispy Butter Chicken. It’s a dish that never fails to satisfy, and sharing it is half the joy. Give it a try and let your kitchen become everyone’s happiest place!
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Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy goodness of this flavorful Crispy Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken coated in a crunchy crust, smothered in a rich buttery sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro. A delightful Indian-inspired dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- vegetable oil for frying
For the butter sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt to taste
- fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in a flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken: Fry coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, chili flakes, then add tomato sauce, cream, sugar, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Toss crispy chicken in the sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying + Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
