If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping meal that combines irresistible crunch with velvety, spiced sauce, let me introduce you to Crispy Butter Chicken. Imagine bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken, perfectly fried until golden and crisp, then paired with a luscious, fragrant butter sauce. It’s the best of both worlds: every mouthful bursts with flavor and texture, making this an unforgettable dinner for family or friends. If you thought classic butter chicken couldn’t get any better, this recipe will absolutely prove you wrong!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Butter Chicken lies in its thoughtful but unfussy ingredients—each adds something crucial, whether it’s tenderness, crunch, spice, or rich color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love using them:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Buttermilk: Essential for marinating and ensuring every bite of chicken is succulent and flavorful.
- All-purpose Flour: This is your secret weapon for that signature crunch!
- Cornstarch: Blended with flour, it amplifies crispiness and gives the coating a light, airy texture.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, aromatic kick right into the coating.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a stunning golden tint to every piece.
- Salt: Brightens and enhances all the seasonings in both the chicken and sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Oil: Pick an oil with a high smoke point for frying up the crispiest chicken imaginable.
- Unsalted Butter: The hero of the sauce, delivering richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Onion: Foundation for depth and natural sweetness in the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings punchy aroma and flavor to the butter sauce.
- Ginger: Lends a little zing and brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth, body, and tang to the sauce base.
- Tomato Puree: Creates that rich, silky foundation that coats every morsel.
- Garam Masala: The signature Indian spice blend, infusing warmth and complex aroma.
- Ground Cumin: Adds earthy, smoky notes that make the sauce sing.
- Chili Powder: Provides customizable heat—use more or less to taste!
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce plush and ultra-creamy, for maximum indulgence.
- Chopped Cilantro: A fresh, vibrant finishing touch that wakes up the whole dish.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start things off by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight, if you have time) means every bite will be juicier and more flavorful. This gentle bath in buttermilk is what takes this dish from good to unforgettable!
Step 2: Coat for Maximum Crunch
In a shallow bowl, combine your flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This custom coating is where you build that crave-worthy, crispy texture. Don’t rush: give each piece a thorough dredge, shaking off any excess for an even coverage. For next-level crunch, try double-dipping!
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet, then fry the chicken pieces in batches. Keep the oil at a steady, medium-high temperature for the best results—about 4 to 5 minutes per side will create a seriously crunchy, golden crust while sealing in all those juices. Drain them on paper towels to keep things crisp.
Step 4: Build the Butter Sauce
Now, let’s make that dreamy sauce! Melt your butter in a skillet and sauté chopped onion until soft and fragrant. Add garlic, fresh ginger, and tomato paste—cook for a few minutes until your kitchen smells amazing. Stir in the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt, then let things bubble away gently until slightly thickened and deeply colored. Finish with a swirl of heavy cream for the ultimate luxurious finish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
You have options: toss your fried chicken into the warm sauce just before serving for flavor-soaked bites, or serve them separately so your Crispy Butter Chicken stays extra crunchy. Either way, scatter with fresh cilantro before serving for that final burst of freshness and color!
How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken
Garnishes
The simplest way to finish this dish is with a generous shower of chopped cilantro—its freshness balances out the rich sauce and sizzling chicken, and it looks gorgeous too. For even more pop, add sliced green chilies or a squeeze of lime right before serving. Want a bit of luxury? A drizzle of extra cream on top never hurts.
Side Dishes
Crispy Butter Chicken absolutely shines with fluffy basmati rice or warm, chewy naan. The fragrant rice catches every drop of buttery sauce, while naan is perfect for scooping up saucy bites. Add a crisp cucumber salad or quick-pickled onions on the side for a hit of brightness and crunch that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, try serving your Crispy Butter Chicken platter-style, heaped high with extra cilantro and lemon wedges for squeezing over. Want a fun twist? Pile the chicken and sauce onto slider buns, or serve atop crispy fries for a unique fusion take. However you serve it, this is a dish that always draws a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep the chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge. This will help maintain the chicken’s crunch and stop it from getting too soft or soggy. Both can be stored for up to three days, making it a great recipe for next-day lunches or effortless dinners.
Freezing
Surprisingly, the fried chicken alone stands up well to freezing! Store it in a single layer on a tray until frozen, then pop into freezer bags. The butter sauce can also be frozen separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight for best results, then reheat as needed.
Reheating
For optimal crispiness, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer, rather than the microwave. Spread out the pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop, then toss or spoon over the chicken just before serving. This keeps everything deliciously fresh and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both options work wonderfully—chicken thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving, but chicken breast pieces will still deliver that coveted crunch and soak up the butter sauce beautifully.
How do I make Crispy Butter Chicken less spicy?
Simply dial back the chili powder in the sauce, or skip it altogether for a milder version. You’ll still get those gorgeous flavors without as much heat, making this dish family-friendly too.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives you ultimate crunch, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a rack in a 425°F oven, misted with oil. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious and lighter.
What other herbs can I use for garnish?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try chopped parsley or fresh mint—they add brightness and a pop of color to Crispy Butter Chicken without overpowering the dish.
Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
You can, but making your own sauce is quick and totally worth it! The fresh ingredients and spices in this recipe give Crispy Butter Chicken an unbeatable homemade flavor and aroma.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this crispy, saucy, utterly satisfying twist on a classic. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party spread, Crispy Butter Chicken always gets rave reviews. Dive in, share with friends, and let each crispy, saucy bite remind you just how fun and rewarding home cooking can be!
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Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy goodness of this flavorful Crispy Butter Chicken, where tender chicken pieces are coated in a crunchy crust and smothered in a rich, spiced butter sauce. It’s a delicious fusion of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Coat the Chicken: Coat marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry coated chicken until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: Make a rich butter sauce with aromatic spices and cream.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Coat crispy chicken in the butter sauce before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture.
- Adjust spice level with more or less chili powder.
- Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying + Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
