Get ready to fall in love with Crispy Butter Chicken, an irresistible twist on a crowd favorite that marries the crave-worthy crunch of fried chicken with the comforting richness of a creamy, spiced sauce. Every bite delivers juicy chicken with a golden, shattering crust, all smothered (or dipped!) in a luscious, buttery tomato cream sauce that’s fragrant with ginger, garlic, and warm Indian spices. This is the kind of showstopper dish you’ll make for friends, family, or just to spoil yourself after a long week—it’s pure comfort, with a crispy edge and a bold, playful spirit.

Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great recipes start with the right ingredients, and each one here brings its own flavor, texture, or pop of color to this Crispy Butter Chicken. Gather these essentials and you’ll be amazed how easily they transform into a dish that tastes like a celebration.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: For ultimate juiciness and tenderness, thighs are my go-to, but breasts work if you prefer a leaner cut.
Buttermilk: This tangy hero tenderizes the chicken while infusing a subtle creamy flavor as it marinates.
Garlic powder: Adds an all-over, aromatic savoriness that perfectly seasons the chicken.
Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to your crispy coating.
Salt: Absolutely essential to enhance all the deep, vibrant flavors at every stage.
Black pepper: Gives just a hint of bite and balances the richness.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base for that craveable crunchy shell.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that keeps the chicken extra light and radically crispy.
Baking powder: Lends a bit of lift for an ultra-crunchy exterior.
Vegetable oil: Select a neutral oil with a high smoke point for safe, golden frying.
Unsalted butter: Used for the sauce, this is where all the buttery magic happens.
Onion: Finely diced onion forms a subtle, sweet foundation for the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings big, bold aroma and depth.
Ginger: That signature zing sets the butter sauce apart from the rest.
Tomato paste: Packs concentrated tang and sweetness, creating rich color and flavor.
Tomato sauce: Adds body and a gentle acidity to balance out the cream.
Heavy cream: The key to a thick, decadent, and oh-so-silky sauce.
Garam masala: A warm, fragrant Indian spice blend that delivers classic butter chicken flavor.
Ground cumin: Lends earthy complexity and nicely rounds out the spice mix.
Turmeric: Just a little unlocks golden color and a subtle, peppery essence.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Want it spicy? This touch brings gentle heat—but it’s totally up to you.
Salt (again, for the sauce): Just a pinch perfects the flavor balance.
Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish): A burst of color and fresh brightness to finish.

How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

For ultimate flavor and tenderness, toss your chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get your hands in there and make sure every piece is well coated. Cover and let the chicken soak up all that tangy, spiced goodness in the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight? Even better! This step is what turns ordinary fried chicken into extraordinary Crispy Butter Chicken, so never rush the marination.

Step 2: Dredge in the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder—the holy trinity for CRISP. Remove each piece of marinated chicken, let the excess marinade drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the dry mixture. Press gently so every nook and cranny gets coated. This simple step is the secret behind that addictively crunchy bite!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (test with a small piece—if it bubbles immediately, you’re good to go), fry the chicken in batches. Don’t crowd the pan! Turn each piece occasionally until it’s irresistibly golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let them drain on paper towels while you resist the urge to eat them all before the sauce is even ready.

Step 4: Simmer the Silky Butter Sauce

Time to create that iconic sauce! In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and gently sauté until it’s soft and golden. Next, stir in the garlic, ginger, and tomato paste, letting the flavors go wild for a couple of minutes. Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, and all the warm spices. Let everything simmer and reduce, stirring often, until thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning—you want a sauce you can’t stop sneaking tastes from.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

You have two delicious options: toss your crispy chicken pieces gently in the sauce just before serving for a creamy, crispy combo, or keep them separate so the chicken stays extra crunchy with a bowl of sauce for dipping. Either way, sprinkle on chopped cilantro and serve immediately. Suddenly, dinner feels like a party!

How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a shower of freshly chopped cilantro adds color and a lovely pop of freshness. You can also sprinkle on thinly sliced red onions, a squeeze of lemon, or even a swirl of extra cream for show-off vibes. These little details make your Crispy Butter Chicken even more eye-catching and tastebud-tempting.

Side Dishes

My heart says pile it high with basmati rice—the fluffy grains soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce! Warm naan or roti are perfect for swiping up leftovers and doubling down on the comfort factor. Want to amp up the feast? Add a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple green salad for a little crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is a star on any table, but you can have fun with the presentation. Serve Crispy Butter Chicken family-style in a big platter, or build individual “bowls” with rice, chicken, and sauce for meal-prep magic. Try stuffing leftovers into soft flatbread wraps with crunchy veggies—it’s a total lunch win. Or go all-in and make chicken sliders with a swipe of sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Butter Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce separately if possible—this keeps the coating from going soggy. Use airtight containers and reheat just what you need to keep everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

For a make-ahead option, freeze only the cooked, cool chicken pieces in a single layer first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to two months. The sauce can be frozen separately as well—just let it cool, pack in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

To re-crisp the chicken, bake pieces in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes or air fry at 375°F until hot and crunchy again. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking briefly to restore its creamy texture. Combine just before serving for freshly-made magic.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Everything else works just as beautifully for that irresistible crunch.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries. Just mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for five minutes—it’ll do the job perfectly for marinating the chicken.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

You can, though you’ll miss some of the signature crunch. Lay dredged chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Keep the chicken and sauce separate in the fridge, then combine or assemble bowls, wraps, or salads as you like throughout the week.

How spicy is Crispy Butter Chicken?

The heat is totally flexible—leave out the cayenne for a mild version, or add extra for a serious kick. It’s all about making your tastebuds happy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly special that’s both wildly satisfying and fun to make, Crispy Butter Chicken is for you. The bold flavors, crispy chicken, and velvety sauce are simply irresistible. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if this becomes the most-requested dinner in your kitchen!

Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the crispy goodness of this butter chicken recipe that combines tender marinated chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting meal that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion (finely diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
salt to taste
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken: Fry chicken in batches in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Add tomato sauce, cream, and spices. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce or serve separately. Garnish with cilantro.