If you’re looking for an utterly irresistible twist on a classic, look no further than Crispy Butter Chicken. This dish is the perfect marriage of crunchy, golden-fried chicken and velvety, spiced butter sauce—each bite brings an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you swooning. Whether you’re craving comfort food or aiming to wow your dinner guests, this recipe brings restaurant-worthy results straight to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from simple, readily available ingredients, each one delivering a burst of taste, color, or that signature crispiness. Fresh aromatics, bold spices, and a touch of butter turn plain chicken into something unforgettable—don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts keep the pieces juicy and help them soak up all the marinade flavor.
- Greek yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer and brings just the right tanginess to the marinade.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken further.
- Ginger (grated): Adds warmth and subtle heat throughout the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Essential in both the marinade and sauce for that depth of savory aroma.
- Ground cumin: Lends smoky, earthy undertones to both the chicken and the butter sauce.
- Ground coriander: Brings a citrusy freshness to the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: Intensifies color and gives a faint smokiness to the crispy coating.
- Turmeric: Adds golden color and gentle earthiness for authenticity.
- Chili powder: You get a gentle kick and a lively hue—adjust this to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Crucial for unlocking all the flavors in the chicken and the sauce.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to that shatteringly crispy crust—don’t skip or substitute.
- Oil (for frying): Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are perfect to get the chicken golden and crunchy.
- Butter (for the sauce): Gives the signature silky, indulgent richness to the sauce.
- Onion (finely chopped): Sautéed to create the base of the butter sauce, offering sweetness and body.
- Garam masala: This aromatic blend offers complexity and authentic warmth to the sauce.
- Tomato purée: Brings tang and beautiful deep color—choose a high-quality purée for the best results.
- Heavy cream: For ultimate creaminess and to mellow the robust spices.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances out the acidity of tomatoes and the spice of chilies.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss in your chicken pieces until every inch is fully coated in this aromatic, creamy mixture. For the ultimate flavor for your Crispy Butter Chicken, cover and let it all mingle in the fridge for at least an hour—or overnight if you can wait! The longer it sits, the more flavor and tenderness you’ll get.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Once marinated, shake off any extra marinade from the chicken and dredge each piece in cornstarch—this is what creates the signature crispy shell. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat; when it’s shimmering, gently lower in the chicken, frying in small batches. 5 to 6 minutes per batch is just right for pieces that are golden, crunchy, and juicy inside. Drain on paper towels to get rid of any extra oil. (If you’re after next-level crisp, you can double-fry!)
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Sauce
Now for the heart of this dish—the glorious, velvety butter sauce! Melt your butter in a clean pan over medium heat, then sauté the onion until translucent and fragrant. Add in the additional garlic and ginger and cook until everything is sizzling and aromatic. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon, letting them bloom for half a minute. Pour in your tomato purée, bring to a simmer, and let the flavors develop for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Coat the Chicken
Turn down the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, sugar, and salt to your liking; simmer for another 2 or 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes irresistible. Slide your freshly fried chicken into the sauce, tossing gently until every piece is cloaked in creamy, spiced perfection. Serve hot and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves are classic, but don’t be shy to add thinly sliced red onions, a dollop of extra cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted cashews for crunch. A final squeeze of lemon just before serving adds zest and brightness, making your Crispy Butter Chicken shine both in taste and appearance.
Side Dishes
This dish is pure comfort when paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm, charred naan. Add a cooling cucumber raita or a crisp kachumber salad to round out the meal and balance all those complex, buttery spices. A bowl of simple peas or sautéed greens makes a lovely, fresh addition too.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Crispy Butter Chicken into party fare by serving it as sliders in mini brioche buns, or pile it onto a platter for sharing family-style. For a fun twist, drizzle the sauce over crispy chicken bites and serve as a sensational appetizer. However you present it, keep things colorful and vibrant for maximum appeal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Crispy Butter Chicken tastes just as wonderful the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You’ll find the flavors deepen with time, making leftover night an event to look forward to!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish with great results. Let everything cool completely, then pack the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, consume within two months and thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the sauce from splitting. If you’ve kept the chicken and sauce separate, crisp the chicken in an oven or air fryer before mixing with the hot sauce for fresh-out-of-the-pan crunch!
FAQs
Can I make this Crispy Butter Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe already uses cornstarch for coating, so it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check your spices and tomato purée for hidden gluten, and you’re good to go.
Is it possible to air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can use your air fryer to crisp up the marinated chicken pieces. Spray them lightly with oil, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for around 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get plenty of crunch with less oil!
How spicy is this Crispy Butter Chicken?
This version is moderately spiced—just enough for warmth, but not fiery. Feel free to increase or reduce the chili powder to suit your personal preference, or add sliced green chilies for extra heat.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Definitely! Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, especially when fried, but chicken breast works wonderfully here too. Just keep an eye out while frying to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
What’s the secret to getting the chicken super crispy?
The cornstarch coating is key, but for truly shatteringly crispy results, fry in hot oil and don’t overcrowd the pan. For extra crunch, double-fry the pieces or briefly re-crisp them in the oven before saucing. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness in your Crispy Butter Chicken!
Final Thoughts
I guarantee this Crispy Butter Chicken will become a new favorite in your home, whether you’re a spice lover or just someone searching for the next great comfort dish. The irresistible blend of crisp golden chicken and luxurious butter sauce is simply too good to resist—so tie on your apron and treat yourself to this unforgettable meal!
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Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (active)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Indian cuisine with this Crispy Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, coated in a crispy layer, and then tossed in a creamy butter sauce that will leave you craving for more. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- oil for frying
Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups tomato purée
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Fry the Chicken: Coat marinated chicken pieces with cornstarch. Fry in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in butter. Add spices, tomato purée, cream, sugar, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss crispy chicken in the sauce until coated. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
- An air fryer can be used as a lower-fat alternative.
- Adjust spice levels according to personal preference.
- This dish tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
