Chicken soaked in buttermilk, crusted up for a good crunch, and topped with garlic-butter honey sauce. Needs around 2 hours, including soaking. Great for special meals.
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The ultimate mix of crunchy exterior and buttery goodness, this Crunchy Butter Chicken takes ordinary fried chicken to another level. Every bite starts with tenderized meat, gets wrapped in the perfect crisp coating, and finishes with a smooth butter topping that brings tons of taste. You'll find yourself amazed at how basic ingredients come together in such an unforgettable way.
Throughout my cooking journey, I've turned to this dish whenever I need to wow people without kitchen stress. The first time my relatives tried it, they cleaned their plates so well you couldn't tell they'd eaten from them.
Stellar Ingredients Guide
Chicken Thighs: Go for ones without bones or skin for the juiciest results
Buttermilk: Get it fresh for the best tenderizing effect and tang
All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached for extra crispiness when fried
Unsalted Butter: The better quality you use, the tastier your sauce will be
Fresh Garlic: Look for tight, firm cloves to make your sauce more fragrant
Local Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce stick to your chicken pieces
Achieving Crunch Success
Soak It Right
Mix your buttermilk with spices and make sure chicken pieces are completely covered.
Perfect Your Coating
Stir dry stuff together really well so the flavor spreads evenly in every bite.
Fry It Properly
Keep your oil at the right heat for that beautiful golden-brown outside.
Whip Up The Sauce
Melt butter gradually with tasty additions to build rich flavor layers.
Add The Final Touch
Pour sauce over chicken while it's still hot so it soaks in better.
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The trick I learned from my grandma for amazing fried chicken was never rushing the breading step. When you take time to press the flour mixture onto each chicken piece, you'll get that restaurant-quality crunchiness everyone loves.
Fantastic Side Options
Make this into a proper feast by adding some smooth mashed potatoes, carrots with honey glaze, or fresh coleslaw. If you want something lighter, try serving it with a simple green salad and lemon dressing.
Personal Touches
Switch things up by adding fresh thyme or rosemary to your butter sauce, trying different spices in your coating mix, or changing how spicy you make it. Want a healthier version? Try cooking it in an air fryer but keep that yummy butter sauce.
Staying Crunchy
Put any leftover chicken in a container without the sauce. When you want to eat it again, warm it up in the oven at 350°F, then pour freshly made butter sauce on top for the best taste and texture.
After trying this dish countless times in my kitchen, I've noticed the small things really matter - from how cold the buttermilk is to when exactly you add the sauce. This Crunchy Butter Chicken isn't just food; it's a perfect example of comfort cooking done the right way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can this be prepped early?
Yep! Marinate your chicken overnight and mix up the coating in advance. Wait to fry and sauce it until serving so it stays crispy.
→ What's the point of buttermilk?
Soaking in buttermilk makes the meat tender and helps the coating stick better. The result? Juicier chicken with a killer crunch.
→ Are chicken breasts okay here?
Sure thing! They’ll work fine. Just cook a little less and make sure the inside reaches 165°F to stay safe.
→ How do I stop it from getting soggy?
Skip paper towels—pop it on a wire rack after frying. Add the sauce right before serving for that crispy finish.
→ Can I air fry this instead?
Definitely! Set your air fryer to 375°F for about 15 minutes. Flip halfway and spray some oil for even crispiness.
Crispy Butter Chicken
Crunchy fried chicken slathered with a buttery honey sauce. Tender and flavorful inside, with a perfect crunch on the outside.
014 tender chicken breasts or thighs, no skin or bones
02Chilled buttermilk, 1 cup
03Pinch of garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
04Dash of salt (1 teaspoon)
05A teaspoon of paprika to add flavor and vibrancy
06Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) for a subtle kick
→ Coating for Crunch
07All-purpose flour, 1 cup
08Cornstarch, 1/2 cup, to give that extra crunch factor
09A touch of garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
10Paprika, 1 teaspoon for added depth
11Sprinkle of onion powder (1 teaspoon)
12A teaspoon of salt for balance
13Black pepper, freshly ground, 1/2 teaspoon
→ Garlicky Butter Sauce
14Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup
152 garlic cloves, finely chopped
16Red chili flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (skip if spicy isn't your thing)
17Honey, 1 tablespoon to sweeten things up
18Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
19Soy sauce, just 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Step 01
Whisk together buttermilk with paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Dunk the chicken pieces in, ensuring they're fully covered. Let this marinate in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is awesome if you can wait!
Step 02
Mix the flour, cornstarch, and other dry seasonings in a large container. Lift the chicken out of the marinade and let it drip dry a little first. Coat each piece evenly with your dry mix.
Step 03
Heat oil about 2 inches deep to 350°F in a large pan. Cook the chicken in small batches for 5-6 minutes per side. They should turn golden and hit 165°F inside before pulling them out.
Step 04
Warm up butter over medium heat until melted. Toss in the minced garlic and chili flakes if you like spice. Once fragrant, stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 05
Brush the butter sauce all over those crispy fried chicken pieces while they're still warm. Want more flavor? Toss them gently to coat every inch evenly.
Notes
Soaking in buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy
Add more chili flakes for a spicier kick or skip them entirely for mild flavor
For maximum crunch, keep an eye on the oil temperature so it doesn't drop
Tools You'll Need
Big bowls for mixing
A deep pan for frying
Thermometer for checking oil and chicken temperature
Small pan for preparing the sauce
Rack or paper towels for draining excess oil
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Includes gluten from flour
Contains dairy products like buttermilk and butter