Crispy Butter Chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken to make it juicy and flavorful. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time. The longer the marination, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the crispy coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crispy texture once fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat for frying. Once the oil is hot, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

Now, let’s make the indulgent butter chicken sauce. In the same pan used to fry the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, garam masala, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the chicken in the rich, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining its crispy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve your crispy butter chicken over basmati rice or with naan bread for the perfect meal.

Tips for the Perfect Crispy Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness. They will also stay moist after frying, which works well with the crispy exterior.
• Double-fry the chicken if you want it extra crispy. After frying the chicken once, you can quickly fry it again for 1-2 minutes to achieve an even crunchier texture.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika and garam masala in the sauce. Add some chili powder or fresh chilies if you prefer more heat.
• Use full-fat cream for the creamiest sauce possible. This will give you that rich, indulgent flavor you expect from butter chicken.

Conclusion: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

This crispy butter chicken brings together the best of both worlds: a crispy, crunchy chicken exterior and the rich, creamy, spiced sauce that butter chicken is known for. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something extra special.

So, whether you’re a butter chicken fan or just someone who loves a good crispy dish, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Enjoy the crispy crunch and the creamy, spicy goodness—it’s a combination you won’t be able to resist!