Crispy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Twist on the Classic Dish
If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful Indian-inspired dishes, then Crispy Butter Chicken is a must-try. This dish combines the irresistible richness of butter chicken with a crispy coating, creating a mouthwatering fusion that’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or for impressing guests with something both comforting and exciting!
What Makes Crispy Butter Chicken Special?
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a well-loved Indian dish known for its tender chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce. What sets this version apart is the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the chicken pieces, adding a delightful crunch to the dish. The combination of crispy chicken and the indulgent sauce is simply divine, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients for Crispy Butter Chicken
For the marinated chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
Salt, to taste
For the crispy coating:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the butter chicken sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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.
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Enjoy.