If you have a soft spot for irresistibly crunchy yet tender chicken drenched in rich, flavorful butter sauce, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly balances a golden, crispy coating with a luscious buttery glaze that’s kissed by garlic, a touch of heat, and a hint of sweetness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, every bite bursts with comforting warmth and vibrant flavors that make you want seconds right away. Let me take you step-by-step through creating this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture just right starts with a handful of simple ingredients—but don’t let that fool you. Each one plays a vital role, from tenderizing the chicken to creating that perfect crispy crust and finishing with a luscious buttery glaze.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (4 pieces): Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and even coating.
- Buttermilk (1 cup/240ml): Essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding tangy depth.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp total): Split between marinade and coating for a robust garlic undertone.
- Paprika (2 tsp total): Adds lovely color and a subtle smoky flavor dimension.
- Salt (2 tsp total): Enhances all the flavors and helps season every bite properly.
- Black pepper (1 tsp total): Gives a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup/125g): The base of the crispy coating for that much-loved crunch.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup/60g): Works with flour for an extra light and crispy texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup/60g): Creates the signature buttery sauce that coats the chicken.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds fresh, aromatic punch in the sauce.
- Red chili flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Offers a gentle heat, balancing the sweetness.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce and complements the savory notes beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp): Provides umami depth, making the sauce irresistibly savory.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle aroma. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated, then pop the bowl into the fridge for at least one hour or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, remaining garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates an ultra-crispy and golden crust that’s going to give your chicken that fabulous crunch we all crave.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Then, dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This careful coating step is key for getting that perfect crispy texture once fried.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches so they don’t crowd the pan, cooking each piece for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until they achieve a rich golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This frying method locks in juicy tenderness while creating that mouthwatering crust.
Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the minced garlic and optional red chili flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, combining everything into a glossy, deeply flavored sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is fried to perfection, you can either drizzle the warm butter sauce over top or toss the chicken directly in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. This final step ensures every bite is bursting with that incredible buttery flavor and a little extra sparkle from the garlic and heat.
How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and color add a whole new dimension to crispy butter chicken. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of green and aromatic brightness. You might also add a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for extra zing or a light dusting of chili powder if you prefer a bolder spice kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up that luscious butter sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add vibrancy and balance to the plate. For an indulgent touch, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic naan bread are also stellar companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe as sliders by slicing the chicken and piling it into mini buns with crisp lettuce and a dollop of sauce. Alternatively, layer sliced chicken over a fresh salad for a lighter option, or arrange it on a large platter surrounded by colorful sides for a family-style feast that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover crispy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken remains delicious but is best reheated carefully to preserve its crispy coating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooked chicken pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To maintain that satisfying crispiness when reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, heat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you want to refresh the butter sauce, quickly heat it on the stovetop and drizzle over the reheated chicken just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too. Just be mindful that breasts cook a little faster and can dry out more easily, so keeping an eye on cooking time and internal temperature is important.
Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?
Buttermilk is highly recommended because it tenderizes the chicken wonderfully and adds a subtle tang that complements the spices. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I substitute for soy sauce in the butter sauce?
If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or a splash of Worcestershire sauce as alternatives. They both add umami depth but alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste.
How spicy is this Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the black pepper and optional red chili flakes. It’s not overly spicy, making it family-friendly but with enough kick to satisfy those who enjoy a little heat. You can always adjust the chili flakes to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I love sharing because it hits all the right notes—crunchy, tender, buttery, and packed with balanced flavors. Whether you’re cooking it for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a guaranteed showstopper that delivers comforting satisfaction every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 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 chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a fragrant buttermilk mixture and coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend for maximum crunch. Fried to golden perfection and finished with a rich, garlicky butter sauce with honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, it offers a perfect balance of crispy textures and savory, tangy flavors. Ideal for a hearty dinner, this dish delivers classic comfort in every bite.
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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- 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 create a light, crispy crust on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat approximately 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors into a glossy sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle or brush the butter sauce over the hot fried chicken. Toss gently to coat evenly if desired, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and ensures a tender texture.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; frying in batches maintains oil temperature for crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to check oil and chicken internal temperature for safety and optimal results.
- For a spicier version, increase the red chili flakes or add cayenne pepper to the coating mix.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
