Crispy Butter Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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There’s something magical about crispy chicken coated in a buttery, savory sauce. Crispy Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of crunch and indulgence, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, gatherings, or a special treat just for you. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, crispy chicken thighs smothered in a rich, garlicky butter glaze. This recipe is sure to become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Butter Chicken

Crispy Butter Chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender chicken, a perfectly seasoned crispy coating, and a luscious butter sauce creates a flavor explosion. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply indulging in comfort food, this dish guarantees satisfaction.

Ingredients for Crispy Butter Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Having your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process a breeze.

For the Chicken Marinade:

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts4 pieces
Buttermilk1 cup (240ml)
Garlic powder1 teaspoon
Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Paprika1 teaspoon
Salt1 teaspoon

For the Crispy Coating:

IngredientQuantity
All-purpose flour1 cup (125g)
Cornstarch1/2 cup (60g)
Paprika1 teaspoon
Onion powder1 teaspoon
Garlic powder1 teaspoon
Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Salt1 teaspoon

For the Butter Sauce:

IngredientQuantity
Unsalted butter1/4 cup (60g)
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Honey1 tablespoon
Red chili flakes (optional)1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice1 tablespoon
Soy sauce1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

The key to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in the marinade.

  1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Crispy Coating

  1. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
  3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

3. Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  3. Cook each piece for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Butter Sauce

The butter sauce takes this dish to the next level.

  1. In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant.
  3. Stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, letting the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine and Serve

  1. Drizzle the butter sauce generously over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips for Perfect Crispy Butter Chicken

1. Use the Right Oil for Frying

A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best for frying. It won’t overpower the chicken’s flavor.

2. Keep the Chicken Warm

If you’re cooking in batches, place fried chicken in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) to keep it warm while you finish frying.

3. Adjust the Heat in the Butter Sauce

Prefer a milder sauce? Skip the chili flakes. Want more kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories450
Protein28 g
Carbohydrates20 g
Fat30 g
Fiber2 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

3. Can I use chicken wings instead of thighs or breasts?

Absolutely! Adjust the frying time to ensure the wings are cooked through.

4. What can I serve with Crispy Butter Chicken?

Pair it with mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, steamed veggies, or rice for a complete meal.

5. Can I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

6. Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

A Final Bite: Elevate Your Comfort Food Game

Crispy Butter Chicken is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and irresistible textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding a hungry family, or treating yourself to something special, this dish will deliver every time.

Ready to Make Crispy Butter Chicken?

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal that everyone will love. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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Crispy Butter Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food


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  • Author: ating
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of crunch and indulgence. Juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden crust and drizzled with a rich, garlicky butter sauce is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Crispy Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Butter Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken
    • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Add chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
  • Prepare the Crispy Coating
    • In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  • Fry the Chicken
    • Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
    • Fry chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F or 75°C).
    • Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Make the Butter Sauce
    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using), and sauté until fragrant.
    • Stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Combine and Serve
    • Drizzle butter sauce over crispy chicken or serve on the side for dipping.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For lighter frying, use an air fryer or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Adjust the spice level in the butter sauce by adding more or less chili flakes.
  • Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven if cooking in batches.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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