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Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken for frying. In a bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoned flour mixture for dredging the chicken.
Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk to coat, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour, and set the coated chicken pieces aside.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the delicious sauce. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the onion is soft and golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and all the spices: garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, and chili powder. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken with the creamy, flavorful sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has absorbed into the crispy chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the crispy chicken is coated in the buttery sauce, remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve the Crispy Butter Chicken hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your favorite side. It’s perfect for scooping up that luscious, creamy sauce and pairing with the crispy chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Butter Chicken
This Crispy Butter Chicken recipe is everything you love about comfort food with an irresistible twist. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy, buttery sauce takes this dish to another level of flavor and texture. The rich sauce is deeply spiced yet mellowed by the cream, making it a perfect complement to the crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces.
- Crispy Chicken: The secret to the crispy chicken is the double coating—first in the buttermilk and then in the seasoned flour mixture. This results in a crunchy exterior that stays crispy even after it’s coated in the buttery sauce.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The butter chicken sauce is a luxurious blend of tomatoes, heavy cream, and a symphony of warm spices. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and rich, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Flavor Explosion: With a combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, each bite delivers a burst of deep, aromatic flavor that lingers long after you’ve eaten.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare, or for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you like your food spicy, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to turn up the heat.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts. The bones add richness to the sauce, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with crispy paneer or tofu. Both work wonderfully in this sauce and will deliver a satisfying meal.
- Make Ahead: The crispy chicken can be made ahead of time and stored separately. Just reheat it before serving and add it to the sauce for the final touch.
Conclusion
This Crispy Butter Chicken is a showstopper of a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe (and trust us, they won’t believe how easy it is to make!). The crispy chicken and buttery, spiced sauce are the perfect combination for a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or as a weeknight treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
So, DON’T LOSE THIS RECIPE—make it, share it, and enjoy every flavorful, crispy bite of this decadent dish!
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