Crispy Butter Chicken is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a rich, buttery sauce that’s tangy and savory. This dish is ideal for family dinners, entertaining, or whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Texture: Crispy chicken coated in a velvety butter sauce creates the perfect combination of crunch and creaminess.
Rich Flavor Profile: The buttery sauce, paired with hints of garlic, paprika, and a tangy kick of lemon juice, is simply divine.

Family Favorite: This dish appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, or experiment with different cuts of chicken.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the satisfaction of a gourmet meal without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp powdered garlic

1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp red chili flakes
1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup unsalted butter

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp powdered garlic. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, black pepper, the remaining paprika, powdered garlic, and salt.

Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick coating.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 8–10 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Make the Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and red chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine: Drizzle the butter sauce over the crispy chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serve: Pair the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Spicier Option: Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Healthier Alternative: Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the butter sauce for extra flavor.
Different Protein: Try the recipe with boneless pork chops, tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. For the sauce, reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken may take 5–7 minutes longer to cook through.

2. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

Place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

4. Can I prepare the butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

5. What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

6. Can I skip the frying and use an air fryer?

Yes, air fry the chicken at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Pair it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

10. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the fried chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

Crispy Butter Chicken is a delightful recipe that combines crunchy, golden chicken with a rich and flavorful butter sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or preparing a treat for your family, this dish delivers on taste and texture. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.