Crispy Butter Chicken

Introduction

Crispy Butter Chicken combines the richness of a classic butter chicken with the irresistible crunch of crispy chicken pieces. This fusion dish takes tender chicken coated in a flavorful spiced batter, deep-fried to a golden crisp, and then tossed in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce with a subtle hint of aromatic spices. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, perfect for any occasion.

I first made this dish when I was looking to elevate the classic butter chicken and add a bit of texture. The crispy exterior adds a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of crunch and comfort. The sauce is silky smooth and infused with spices that bring warmth without overwhelming the flavors.

Whether you serve it with naan or rice, this crispy butter chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. It’s a showstopper for any meal, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Comfort food cravings
• Dinner parties
• Indian food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Butter Chicken

Here’s why Crispy Butter Chicken will become your go-to dish:

• Crispy Chicken Coating: The chicken is coated in a spiced batter and fried to golden perfection, giving it a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The buttery, creamy sauce is loaded with aromatic spices and a subtle tang, coating each piece of chicken and infusing it with incredible flavor.
• Tender Chicken: Despite the crispy exterior, the chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of textures.
• Easy to Make: While it may sound indulgent, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile Pairings: Whether served with naan, basmati rice, or steamed vegetables, this dish pairs beautifully with many sides, making it a versatile addition to your meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Butter Chicken:

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal choice for this recipe, providing tenderness and juiciness.
• Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk adds flavor and helps create a crispy, crunchy texture when fried.
• Spices: The blend of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric brings a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken and sauce.
• Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and butter create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Butter Chicken:

Prepare the Crispy Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for extra flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce:

5. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder (if using). Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
8. Finish the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Gently fold the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, coating them evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with naan bread or basmati rice.

How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken

Crispy Butter Chicken is the perfect dish to serve on its own or alongside various sides:

• With Naan or Rice: Serve the chicken with warm naan bread or basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce.
• For a Full Meal: Pair with a side of sautéed vegetables, a simple salad, or a raita for a complete meal.
• As a Party Dish: This dish is great for sharing at a dinner party or family gathering, sure to impress your guests.

Additional Tips for Crispy Butter Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more vibrant flavor. If possible, grind your spices at home for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece becomes crispy and golden without becoming soggy.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies to the sauce.
• Make it Ahead of Time: The chicken can be fried ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the sauce before serving.
• Cream Alternative: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a slightly different flavor.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Butter Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crispy Butter Chicken:

• Crispy Butter Chicken with Cashews: Add roasted cashews to the sauce for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Spicy Crispy Butter Chicken: Increase the chili powder or add extra green chilies for a spicier version of the dish.
• Vegetarian Crispy Butter “Chicken”: Use tofu or paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian alternative.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for a vibrant green addition and extra nutrients.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with Mango: Stir in some diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Butter Chicken: Use gluten-free flour for the chicken coating to make this dish gluten-free.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with Lemon: Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty, refreshing contrast to the creaminess.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with a Tomato-Coconut Sauce: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, tropical flavor.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with a Yogurt Sauce: Use Greek yogurt to replace the cream for a tangy and creamy alternative.
• Crispy Butter Chicken with Cilantro Pesto: Add a dollop of cilantro pesto to the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous boost.

Freezing and Storage for Crispy Butter Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces (before adding to the sauce) for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover crispy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment for Crispy Butter Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crispy Butter Chicken easier:

• Deep Fryer or Thermometer: A deep fryer or cooking thermometer ensures the oil is at the right temperature for crispy chicken.
• Frying Pan: A large pan for frying the chicken evenly and quickly.
• Heavy Bottom Saucepan: For making the creamy sauce, a heavy-bottomed pan ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for your spices and ingredients.
• Chopping Board and Knife: For prepping the chicken and vegetables with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crispy Butter Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breast works well, but thighs will give you a juicier result.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up in the sauce when ready to serve.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut oil and coconut milk.
4. Can I make the sauce spicier?
   Yes, you can increase the chili powder or add chopped fresh chilies to the sauce to make it spicier.
5. Can I freeze the chicken after frying?
   Yes, fry the chicken, then freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce.

Print

Conclusion

Crispy Butter Chicken is a decadent and satisfying dish that brings together crispy chicken with a rich, buttery sauce full of flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone. With its crispy texture and creamy sauce, it’s a modern twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this recipe will make a lasting impression.

This recipe is as comforting as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. The combination of crunchy chicken and indulgent sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I’d love to see how your Crispy Butter Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!