Crispy Butter Chicken Dinner

This Perfectly Crispy Butter Chicken recipe takes comfort food to the next level. Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a crispy crust and smothered in a tangy, buttery sauce, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and Crispy: The perfect contrast of tender chicken inside and crispy coating outside.
• Rich and Tangy Sauce: A buttery, slightly tangy sauce that elevates the dish.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together for a gourmet-style meal.
• Versatile: Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp powdered garlic
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, onion powder, powdered garlic, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
2. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
2. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere for a thick, even coating.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Serve

1. Drizzle the tangy butter sauce over the crispy chicken.
2. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for extra heat.
• Cheesy Twist: Top the chicken with mozzarella or cheddar cheese before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch in the coating.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the sauce.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for crispiness. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

2. How do I ensure the coating sticks to the chicken?

Pat the chicken dry before marinating and press the flour mixture firmly onto the surface.

3. What sides go best with this dish?

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

4. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, adjust the frying time accordingly, as bone-in pieces take longer to cook.

5. What’s the best oil for frying?

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

6. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese in the coating?

Yes, but the Parmesan adds a delicious flavor and helps create a crispier crust.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

8. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While not required, marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

9. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before drizzling over the chicken.

10. What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for even cooking and easy preparation.

Conclusion

Perfectly Crispy Butter Chicken is a show-stopping dinner that combines crispy, golden chicken with a tangy, buttery sauce. This indulgent recipe is surprisingly easy to make and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a dish your family will request time and time again!

Crispy Butter Chicken Dinner

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinate Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Treat your family to this Perfectly Crispy Butter Chicken Dinner, a flavorful twist on a classic favorite! Juicy boneless chicken is coated in a crispy, golden crust and smothered in a rich, tangy butter sauce. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp powdered garlic
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt

Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Additional seasoning, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, onion powder, powdered garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

2. Prepare the Breading:

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture.

3. Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat a deep skillet with enough oil to shallow fry the chicken over medium heat.
2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Butter Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and red chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve:

1. Place the crispy chicken on a serving plate and drizzle with the butter sauce.
2. Serve with a side of mayonnaise for dipping and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

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Notes

• For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in the marinade and breading before frying.
• Add a touch of cayenne to the breading mix for a spicier kick.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for crispiness.