Crispy Butter Chicken

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This Crispy Butter Chicken takes comfort food to new heights by combining the best of fried chicken with a luxurious butter sauce. The chicken starts with a buttermilk marinade that ensures each piece stays tender and juicy, while a seasoned flour-cornstarch coating creates the perfect crispy exterior. What makes this dish special is the finishing touch - a savory-sweet butter sauce featuring garlic, honey, and a hint of heat from chili flakes. The sauce adds a rich, indulgent layer of flavor without compromising the chicken's signature crunch. With options for both traditional frying and air frying, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
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Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:06:47 GMT
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Crispy Butter Chicken elevates ordinary poultry into a masterpiece of contrasting textures and flavors. This indulgent dish marries perfectly fried chicken with a luxurious butter sauce that adds richness and depth to every bite. The secret lies in a buttermilk marinade that ensures juicy meat beneath that golden-brown crust, while the finishing sauce creates an irresistible glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Last weekend, I served this at a family gathering, and my brother-in-law, a devoted takeout enthusiast, asked for the recipe immediately. The empty platter spoke volumes about its appeal.

Essential Elements

  • Chicken thighs: Their natural richness creates the juiciest result
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes and flavors the meat perfectly
  • Cornstarch: Creates that signature light, crispy coating
  • Fresh garlic: Adds depth to both marinade and sauce
  • Quality butter: Forms the base of the luxurious sauce
  • Honey: Balances the savory elements with subtle sweetness
  • Fresh lemon: Adds brightness to cut through richness
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Creating Perfection

Marinade Magic:
Combine buttermilk with seasonings, ensuring each piece of chicken is fully submerged. Allow flavors to develop for maximum tenderness.
Coating Creation:
Mix dry ingredients thoroughly for even seasoning. Press coating firmly onto chicken for maximum adherence.
Frying Finesse:
Maintain proper oil temperature throughout cooking. Watch for that perfect golden-brown color development.
Sauce Symphony:
Melt butter slowly, allowing garlic to infuse gently. Balance sweet, tangy, and savory elements carefully.

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect fried chicken was patience - in the marinade, in heating the oil, and in achieving that perfect golden crust.

Perfect Pairings

Transform this dish into a complete meal by serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

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Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creative Variations

Experiment with different flavor profiles by adding herbs to the coating or sauce. Try rosemary and thyme for an herbal twist, or add cayenne for heat. For a lighter version, adapt the recipe for air frying while maintaining the delicious butter sauce.

Storage Success

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container, separate from the sauce. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, then drizzle with freshly made butter sauce for optimal results.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that success lies in the details - the temperature of the oil, the thickness of the coating, and the balance of flavors in the sauce. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Crispy Butter Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the coating mix in advance. However, for the best texture, fry the chicken and make the sauce just before serving.
→ How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Keep fried chicken pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels, and add the butter sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well but may need slightly less cooking time. Just ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.
→ What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
→ Can I make this less spicy?
Simply omit the chili flakes from the butter sauce for a milder version that's still full of flavor.

Crispy Butter Chicken

A delicious combination of crispy fried chicken drizzled with a rich, honey-butter sauce, creating the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

Prep Time
70 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon paprika
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Crispy Coating

07 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
08 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
09 1 teaspoon paprika
10 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Butter Sauce

14 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
15 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
17 1 tablespoon honey
18 1 tablespoon lemon juice
19 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 02

Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a large bowl. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, and coat in the flour mixture.

Step 03

Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).

Step 04

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and chili flakes. Add honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 05

Drizzle or brush butter sauce over fried chicken. Toss for extra flavor if desired.

Notes

  1. Add hot sauce or extra chili flakes for more heat
  2. Can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour
  3. Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or deep fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat
  • Soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 24 g