If ever there was a dish that could stop everyone in their tracks, it’s Crispy Butter Chicken. This recipe takes all the joys of tender, juicy chicken, coats it in a wildly crispy crust, and finishes it off with a buttery, garlicky sauce that packs equal parts savory and sweet. Whether you’re out to wow at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to something golden and irresistible, this is your new go-to. Trust me, one bite of Crispy Butter Chicken and you’ll see why it’s got a special place in my kitchen.

Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I truly love about this recipe is how it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Every element here is key: bold spice, the right combination of coating, and that luscious butter sauce all come together for layers of flavor and texture.

Chicken (4 boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Thighs are extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully for a lighter bite.
Buttermilk (1 cup): This is your secret to ultra-tender chicken and deeper flavor penetration during marination.
Garlic powder (2 tsp, divided): Adds savory warmth both in the marinade and the coating, so the flavor sings through every bite.
Paprika (2 tsp, divided): Brings a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the crust—and a hint of a peppery kick.
Salt (2 tsp, divided): Essential for drawing out the best in every component—don’t skimp!
Black pepper (1 tsp, divided): Lends depth and a bit of bite both to the marinade and the crunchy coating.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The tried-and-true base for that signature crispy crunch.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The magic ingredient for shatteringly crisp chicken—don’t skip it.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Rounds out the coating with subtle sweet-savoriness.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): The star of the sauce, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an aromatic punch in the butter sauce—it’s a must!
Red chili flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Want a little fire? These turn up the heat, just enough.
Honey (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness to balance everything out in the sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds a fresh zing, cutting the richness and waking up all the flavors.
Soy sauce (1 tsp): Sneaks in a hint of umami and depth—every drop counts.

How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl—then nestle your chicken in. Make sure every piece is coated well; the longer you let it chill in this tangy, spicy bath (at least one hour, but overnight if you can!), the juicier and more flavorful your Crispy Butter Chicken will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

While your chicken soaks, mix up the coating. Combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, more garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend gives your chicken its incredible crunch and that gorgeous golden hue.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Lift the chicken out of its marinade and let the excess drip off (no one wants soggy coating!). Press each piece firmly into the flour mixture. Every nook and cranny should be covered—this step is where all that satisfying crispiness starts.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about two inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry each chicken piece for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and the inside hits 165°F (75°C). Let them rest on a wire rack for ultimate crispiness.

Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce

While your chicken cools slightly, melt that glorious butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chili flakes just until fragrant. Stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. You now have a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s ready to take your Crispy Butter Chicken over the top.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Either brush or drizzle the warm butter sauce over the hot, crunchy chicken—or, for a fully flavor-packed experience, toss the chicken right in the sauce. Serve it up while everything is still hot and crispy, and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Crispy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

The right finishing touch makes all the difference with Crispy Butter Chicken. A flurry of fresh chopped cilantro, a scattering of sliced green onions, or even thin shavings of red chili add both color and a pop of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives it a subtle crunch you’ll love.

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar alongside fluffy white rice, warm naan, or lightly seasoned roasted potatoes. For balance, I often add a crisp green salad or quick cucumber raita to cool down the spice and cut through the richness. The combinations are nearly endless!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really show off, stack the chicken pieces tall on a platter and drizzle extra butter sauce over the top. Or slice the chicken and serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, letting the sauce soak in. For a fun twist, tuck strips of Crispy Butter Chicken into warm wraps with greens and a drizzle of extra sauce. Every presentation feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Crispy Butter Chicken left (which is a big if!), get them into an airtight container as soon as they’re cool. The coating stays crisp for hours but will soften a bit after refrigeration—don’t worry, just wait until you reheat before judging!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked, cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents clumping, so you can reheat what you need. The butter sauce can be frozen separately in a small container and gently reheated from frozen.

Reheating

To get that signature crunch back, reheat Crispy Butter Chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes. Air fryers are fantastic for this purpose, too. Just rewarm the butter sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave and drizzle everything with sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead?

Yes, you can! Just adjust the frying time—bone-in chicken will need several extra minutes per side to ensure it cooks all the way through. Using a thermometer is your best bet for perfect results.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not as written! The chili flakes in the butter sauce are optional, giving you control over the heat. Leave them out for milder Crispy Butter Chicken or add extra if you like things with a punch.

What oil is best for frying?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These let the flavors of the chicken and sauce shine without adding off-tastes.

Can I make Crispy Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The texture will still be crave-worthy thanks to the cornstarch in the mix.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

An hour will do in a pinch, but letting the chicken marinate overnight amps up the tenderness and flavor even more. The longer, the better—if you can plan ahead, you won’t regret it!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’ll win hearts and taste buds, look no further than this Crispy Butter Chicken. Every time I bring it to the table, it’s gone in a flash, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how irresistible it is. So grab your skillet and let’s make some magic—crispy, buttery, and unforgettable!