Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a spin on a comfort food classic, Crispy Butter Chicken delivers everything you crave: juicy, marinated chicken with a crackling crust, all swirled in a luscious, buttery sauce with just the right hint of spice. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, melding tender bites and crispy textures, and trust me, this recipe transforms a regular weeknight or a cozy dinner party into something special. Whether you’re new to Indian-inspired cooking or already a butter chicken aficionado, this dish guarantees a flavor adventure you’ll want to make over and over.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Butter Chicken is how each ingredient plays a starring role—creating balance, richness, and that irresistible golden crunch. Keep things simple but don’t skip a step; even the smallest spice packs a punch and the creamy sauce brings it all together.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 1/2 lbs): Offers juicy, flavorful bites perfect for soaking up the marinade and staying tender during frying.
• Plain Yogurt (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and ensures every piece is packed with tangy, subtle flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Adds freshness and helps brighten all the spices in the marinade.
• Ginger, Grated (1 tbsp): Brings zing and warmth that deepens the chicken’s flavor profile.
• Garlic, Minced (4 cloves total): Garlic appears in both the marinade and sauce for double the depth and savory aroma.
• Ground Cumin (1 1/2 tsp): Earthiness and warmth run through both the chicken and sauce.
• Ground Coriander (1 tsp): Lends a hint of citrus and herbaceous notes that keep things lively.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Provides a mellow, smoky undertone and a pop of color in the marinade.
• Turmeric (1/2 tsp): The secret to that golden, appetizing hue.
• Salt (1 tsp, divided): Enhances every layer and rounds out the flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives a gentle kick, easily adjustable to suit your heat preference.
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup): An essential for truly crispy coating—don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Ensures the breading gets golden and stays light.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying): Select a neutral oil so nothing overshadows your spices’ magic.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): The heart of the creamy sauce—always opt for butter over margarine here.
• Onion, Finely Chopped (1 small): Gives lovely sweetness to the sauce base.
• Garam Masala (1 tsp): This aromatic blend infuses the dish with all the hallmark flavors of classic butter chicken.
• Chili Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds an extra touch of warmth and color.
• Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): For an inviting, subtle sweetness.
• Tomato Purée (1 cup): Turns the sauce vibrant, tangy, and full-bodied.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Delivers the ultimate silky finish—feel free to adjust for richness.

How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, grated ginger, garlic, and all those gorgeous spices. Add in your chicken pieces and mix until everything is beautifully coated—don’t rush this, it’s key for juicy, flavorful bites. Cover and let it all soak for at least an hour (but overnight is even better if you can swing it). The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps tenderize it for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Mix the cornstarch and flour in a shallow bowl. Each piece of marinated chicken gets rolled through this mix to guarantee the signature crispy shell that sets this Crispy Butter Chicken apart. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated—the more evenly you dust them, the crunchier your chicken will be.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, enough for shallow frying, and bring up to medium heat. Gently lay in the chicken pieces, working in batches for best results. Give them about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp, then drain briefly on paper towels. For extra crunch, try double-frying: cool the chicken for a few minutes before giving them a quick second fry.

Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce

Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Sauté your finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, then add garlic, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. Cook just until incredibly fragrant—about a minute—then pour in the tomato purée, letting it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors become rich and full. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until your sauce is glossy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the freshly fried chicken right into the sauce and toss gently to coat every piece with all that buttery, spiced creaminess. Let it heat through for a minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the result is chicken that’s crispy on the outside but stays so tender inside, enveloped in a sauce that was truly made for scooping with rice or naan.

How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing takes your Crispy Butter Chicken from delicious to absolutely stunning. A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brings welcome brightness and a pop of green. If you love a little tang, try a squeeze of lemon or add thinly sliced fresh chilis for color and heat. A drizzle of extra cream on top, or even a scatter of crunchy fried onions, can make your dish restaurant-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

Nothing completes Crispy Butter Chicken like warm, pillowy naan or soft, steaming basmati rice—both soak up the sauce beautifully. If you’re seeking something lighter, cucumber raita or a simple kachumber salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions seasoned with lemon and herbs) refreshes the palate between each rich, creamy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! For a cozy weeknight, try piling the chicken in a bowl over rice, drizzled with extra sauce. Entertaining? Serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or on a platter surrounded by naan wedges for a dramatic effect. Crispy Butter Chicken also works wonderfully for wraps—just tuck pieces and sauce inside a soft flatbread with some greens for an irresistibly portable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which, honestly, is rare when Crispy Butter Chicken is on the table), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors intensify overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. For best quality, enjoy within 2-3 days.

Freezing

While the crispy coating will soften after freezing, you can absolutely freeze portions of this dish. Cool completely, then pack tightly in freezer-safe containers. Both the chicken and sauce hold up well for up to a month, perfect for planned-ahead comfort meals.

Reheating

To revive leftover Crispy Butter Chicken, heat it gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. If you want to recapture some of that iconic crunch, pop the chicken pieces (without the sauce) onto a baking tray and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, then stir back into warmed sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Butter Chicken with chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast pieces result in slightly firmer, leaner bites, while thighs stay extra-juicy. Both options taste fabulous and marinate equally well—just don’t overcook the breast meat so it stays tender.

What’s the secret to keeping the chicken super crispy?

For maximum crispiness, coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the flour and cornstarch mix, fry in hot oil without crowding the pan, and let them drain on a wire rack. For the ultimate crunch, try double-frying the chicken after the first round.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream for the sauce?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free spin, coconut cream adds a gorgeous texture and a hint of sweetness.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend—the cornstarch is already gluten-free and helps keep the coating nice and crisp.

How spicy is crispy butter chicken, and can I make it milder?

The recipe is moderately spiced, with just enough heat to liven up the creamy sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for kids, omit the cayenne and go easy on the chili powder for a milder experience. Add extra at the table if someone wants more kick!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crispy Butter Chicken enough—every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple steps and smart ingredients come together for something truly special. Give it a try and let this golden, creamy, crunchy favorite win over your home kitchen (and everyone at the table)!

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